The UK’s NEET rate remains persistently high, according to recent findings.
- A Youth Futures Foundation report highlights slow progress compared to other OECD nations.
- Surveyed young individuals cite skill gaps and mental health as barriers to employment.
- Apprenticeships are seen as a vital but underutilised solution.
- Calls for enhanced policy measures emphasise mental health support and educational opportunities.
The United Kingdom’s efforts to reduce the number of young people not in education, employment, or training (NEET) have lagged behind those of other OECD countries, reveals a comprehensive report by the Youth Futures Foundation. This insightful report, titled Youth Employment 2024 Outlook, synthesises new data and research spanning two decades. While OECD countries have achieved an average reduction in NEET rates of 25% since 2002, the UK’s reduction stands at a modest 19%. Recent figures from the Office for National Statistics indicate that 872,000 individuals, aged 16 to 24, are currently NEET – an increase of 228,000 compared to the lowest rates witnessed three years prior.
In a survey comprising 2,500 respondents, a prevalent sentiment was the increased difficulty in securing employment, with 62% attesting to its growing challenges over the past decade. Additionally, 44% identified a lack of requisite skills and training as primary barriers to accessing the job market, with inadequate wages for entry-level positions also cited as a concern. A significant factor influencing employment prospects is mental health, with 31% of young individuals acknowledging an existing condition. Of those affected, 85% perceive their mental health as an impediment to securing employment or thriving within a work environment. This sentiment is echoed by 44% of those already employed, who feel their career progression is hindered by mental health issues.
The role of apprenticeships emerges as a promising yet underutilised avenue to combat the NEET dilemma. Approximately 65% of surveyed youth view apprenticeships favorably as a gateway to the labour market. However, the UK has witnessed a notable decline in apprenticeship participation among young individuals in recent years. The report underscores the necessity of implementing comprehensive measures to mitigate the NEET challenge, urging policymakers to introduce an Apprenticeship Guarantee for individuals up to the age of 24. This initiative would ensure availability of Level 2 or Level 3 apprenticeships for every qualified candidate, a recommendation supported by 90% of employers surveyed by CIPD.
The report makes a compelling case for a multifaceted approach to support youth, particularly those at risk of being NEET. Among the proposals is enhanced assistance for marginalised young individuals within educational settings, aiming to facilitate their transition to employment. Furthermore, the importance of bolstering mental health services within school and community contexts is highlighted as a crucial step. Barry Fletcher, CEO of Youth Futures Foundation, stresses the intricate nature of the NEET issue, asserting the need for collaborative efforts from government, civil society, and the business community. The potential economic gains are substantial, with an estimated £69 billion boost to the economy if the UK achieves the lowest NEET rate among OECD counterparts.
Without targeted interventions, the enduring high NEET rates risk excluding a generation from the workforce, with significant economic ramifications.
