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The number of NEETs (young people who are not currently in education, employment or training) in the UK has shown a year on year drop in the UK.

New figures from the Office for National Statistics (ONS) reveal that there are now 765,000 16 to 24 year old NEETs in the UK, down 28,000 on the same time last year.

The ONS figures also show that almost 2 in 5 (39 per cent) of current NEETs are estimated to be available and actively searching for full or part time jobs.

The other 61 per cent of NEETs are considered to be economically inactive since they are either not currently looking for work and/or unavailable for work.

Commenting on the ONS figures, Frances O'Grady, the general secretary of the Trades Union Congress, said: “There's a danger that progress could be reversed following the pandemic if the government does not take the action needed. Protecting jobs remains vital. Young people work in higher numbers in hard-hit sectors like arts, leisure and retail. We need the government to look at job retention support beyond October for businesses that can't yet fully operate, but still have a viable future.”

“For young people without work, the Kickstart programme will help. But there must be a role for unions in the scheme to make sure that the jobs on offer are good quality. And there needs to be an education and training guarantee for young people too, so they have the option to improve their skills either at college or through an apprenticeship,” added Ms O’Grady.

The British Psychological Society (BPS) also commented on the current situation for young people in the UK, with Janet Fraser, chair of the society’s ‘Working Differently’ task group saying: “At first glance this paints a very bleak picture for our young people. However we mustn’t lose sight of how exciting it is for most young people to take their next steps towards the future they envisaged for themselves, despite the challenging circumstances the ongoing pandemic has thrown their way. Going to university, accessing further education or entering the workplace is an important milestone for any young person.”

“Sadly, the current situation means many will feel that the odds of achieving their goals are stacked against them, affecting their mental health and wellbeing, both now and in the future. That’s why it’s so important that now, more than ever, we take positive action to empower young people, work with them to support their ambitions, show them a way forward and help them overcome the barriers they face,” added Ms Fraser.

If you would like to view the ONS statistics in more detail then you can take a look at the press release on their website here.

And, if you are affected by the crisis for young people in the UK during the pandemic then you can find some great resources to help you start your career below:

UK Apprenticeships

Entry Level Jobs For Young People

Part Time Jobs Search