UK youth NEET rate hits 13.5% as generation risk rises

The United Kingdom recorded 1.012 million people aged 16‑24 who were not in education, training or employment in the first quarter of 2026, representing 13.5% of that age group – the highest level in more than 12 years. The figure rose by 89,000 from the previous year, driven chiefly by an increase among men (55,000). Women accounted for 459,000 of the total NEET population. Analysts warned that the growing share of economically inactive young people signals a “lost generation” with long‑term earnings losses and higher social‑security costs.

A Eurostat report on 2025 data shows the EU average NEET rate at 11%, with wide variation: the Netherlands recorded the lowest at 5% while Romania reached 19%. Ten EU member states have already met the 2030 target of reducing NEETs to below 9%, whereas another ten remain well above the regional average. The report highlighted gender gaps, persistent social exclusion, and the growing complexity of transitioning from education to work across Europe.