How many young people are NEET in the UK?

The Office for National Statistics estimates 981,000 young people aged 16 to 24 were NEET in April to June 2026. That's 13.0% of all young people in the UK.

Is NEET the same as unemployed?

No. Unemployed people are looking for work and able to start. NEET also includes young people who aren't looking for work, for example because of illness, disability or caring. A full-time student who is looking for a job counts as unemployed but isn't NEET.

How can I help reduce youth unemployment?

Businesses can offer work experience, apprenticeships and first jobs, or fund support through social value and CSR plans. Individuals can sponsor a young person on Shine, which pays for CV, career-planning and job-search support.

UK youth unemployment in 2026: the figures explained

About 1 in 8 young people in the UK aren't in education, work or training.

981,000

16 to 24 year olds NEET, April to June 2026

13.0%

of all UK young people aged 16 to 24

That's up 30,000 on April to June 2025 and down 30,000 on January to March 2026. Source: Office for National Statistics, published 27 August 2026 . The ONS says survey estimates for small groups like this can move around from quarter to quarter.

What does NEET mean?

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.

NEET isn't the same as unemployed. It also includes young people who aren't looking for work right now, for example because of illness, disability or caring for someone. Read our plain-English NEET guide.

What young people tell us gets in the way

Young people using Shine most often say the problem is having no experience, not knowing where to start, having no connections or having no CV. These are things a clear plan and a first CV can help with.

How you can help

Sponsor a young person

From £25, by card. Shine AI Ltd is a company, not a charity, so Gift Aid doesn't apply.

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Businesses and social value

Back youth employment as part of your social value or CSR plans.

For businesses

Aged 16 to 24?

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Common questions

How many young people are NEET in the UK?: The Office for National Statistics estimates 981,000 young people aged 16 to 24 were NEET in April to June 2026. That's 13.0% of all young people in the UK.
What does NEET mean?: 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.
Is NEET the same as unemployed?: No. Unemployed people are looking for work and able to start. NEET also includes young people who aren't looking for work, for example because of illness, disability or caring. A full-time student who is looking for a job counts as unemployed but isn't NEET.
How can I help reduce youth unemployment?: Businesses can offer work experience, apprenticeships and first jobs, or fund support through social value and CSR plans. Individuals can sponsor a young person on Shine, which pays for CV, career-planning and job-search support.