Number of young people out of work or education edges closer to one million

The number of young people who are not in education, employment or training (Neet) has risen, edging closer to one million.

Official estimates are that 957,000 people aged 16 to 24 were Neet in October to December 2025, or 12.8% of that age group.

The UK is experiencing a weak jobs market, with young people particularly affected by cuts in hospitality and graduate schemes.

The figures show a slight increase from the previous quarter, the Office for National Statistics (ONS) said, adding more young people were looking for work in the last three months of 2025.

A young person is considered Neet if they are unemployed (looking for work) or economically inactive (not actively looking for work and not waiting to start a job or caring for family).

Someone in formal education, such as school or university, doing an apprenticeship or vocational course, is not considered to be Neet.

Last year, Chancellor Rachel Reeves announced that young people who have been out of a job or education for 18 months will be offered a guaranteed paid work placement.

Those who do not to take up the offer could face being stripped of their benefits.