What age does NEET cover?

Official UK figures usually cover young people aged 16 to 24.

Is it bad to be NEET?

It's a description, not a label about you. Lots of young people spend some time NEET, for example between college and a job. Getting support early, like a plan, a CV and help applying, can make the next step easier.

What is a NEET?

NEET stands for “not in education, employment or training”. It describes a young person, usually aged 16 to 24, who isn’t studying, working or on a training course such as an apprenticeship.

Who counts as NEET?

Young people looking for work but not yet in a job
Young people not looking for work right now, for example because of illness, disability or caring

You're not NEET if you're at school, college or university, on an apprenticeship or training course, or in paid work (including part-time).

How many young people are NEET?

981,000 young people aged 16 to 24 in the UK (13.0%) in April to June 2026, according to the Office for National Statistics.

See the full figures explained, or read the ONS release.

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Common questions

What does NEET stand for?: Not in education, employment or training.
What age does NEET cover?: Official UK figures usually cover young people aged 16 to 24.
Is it bad to be NEET?: It's a description, not a label about you. Lots of young people spend some time NEET, for example between college and a job. Getting support early, like a plan, a CV and help applying, can make the next step easier.
How many young people are NEET?: 981,000 young people aged 16 to 24 in the UK (13.0%) in April to June 2026, according to the Office for National Statistics.