More than half a million young Brits not in work, training or education have never had a paid job

Nearly one million young people are neither earning or learning and new research has found more than half of them have never had a paid job, according to new research from employment experts.

Learning and Work Institute’s (L&W) Young Opportunity Index found 58% of young people aged 16 to 24 years old not in education, employment or training (NEET) haven’t secured paid work in their lifetime.

With Office for National Statistics data showing the proportion of youngsters considered NEET has risen to 13%, the institute’s experts warned being excluded from work could both harm their life prospects and have a wider scarring effect on economic growth and society. 

Stephen Evans, chief executive of the Learning and Work Institute, said: “Far too many young people are neither earning or learning and the numbers are rising, risking long-term harm to their career prospects.

“Our Youth Opportunity Index shows how much young people’s opportunities vary across the country. That’s fundamentally unfair.”

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A total of 987,000 people aged 16 to 24 were considered NEETs in October to December last year, the latest Office for National Statistics data (ONS) suggests. 

Once a young person has been out of work and education for a sustained period of time it becomes much harder for them to get back on track, L&W researchers found.

Almost half (48%) of young people are still not in education, employment or training a year after they first become NEET. 

The Labour government has promised a youth guarantee to offer every 18 to 21 year old in England access to an apprenticeship, quality training and education opportunities or help to find a job.

The guarantee is currently being implemented across eight trailblazer areas in England following recommendations from L&W. 

The experts said their latest analysis shows that there are varying opportunities available in different parts of the country and called for greater investment in helping young people into work, particularly in boosting youth apprenticeships.

L&W found the proportion of young people considered NEET was nearly twice as high in Wales (15%) and the North East (16%) as they are in London (9%) and the South East (10%), and 16 of the 20 best areas for youth opportunities are in London.  

Evans added: “The government’s introduction of a youth guarantee in England is a step in the right direction – but it will need a laser-like focus on delivery and greater investment to improve opportunities. Talent is evenly distributed in our country, but opportunity isn’t. That needs to change.”

The most recent ONS statistics on the number of young people considered NEET were released back in February. TUC boss Paul Nowak branded the news that nearly one million young people were out of work or education as a “Tory legacy” and said the youth guarantee promised by Labour is the “right step”.

He added: “But it must be part of a comprehensive plan to ensure all young people across the country can access high-quality training and decent, well-paid work as well as timely and effective healthcare.”

Big Issue is also working to help people into work through our specialist recruitment service Big Issue Recruit. The person-centred service is free to candidates and includes support for individuals pre, during and post-employment.

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