UK Youth Job Market Faces Crisis as NEET Rates Surge
‘Hopeless catch-22’ for young people with job opportunities in freefall
Image: Metro
A new report reveals a significant rise in NEET (Not in Education, Employment, or Training) among UK youth, now exceeding one million. Former Health Secretary Alan Milburn highlights a 'hopeless catch-22' where employers demand experience that young people cannot obtain due to a lack of entry-level job opportunities.
- 01The NEET rate among UK youth aged 16-24 has reached 13.5%, with projections suggesting it could exceed 16% in five years.
- 02Vacancies in the hospitality sector, a common entry point for young workers, have halved over the past four years.
- 03The report identifies a 70% increase in NEET individuals citing work-limiting health conditions, particularly mental health issues.
- 04Milburn emphasizes that poor health is hindering economic growth and labor supply, creating a vicious cycle.
- 05The report is the first of two parts, with the second part focused on recommendations expected later this year.
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A recent report by former Health Secretary Alan Milburn reveals a troubling rise in the number of young people in the UK classified as NEET (Not in Education, Employment, or Training), surpassing one million. This figure represents 13.5% of the youth population aged 16-24, reflecting a 1% increase from the previous year. Milburn describes a 'hopeless catch-22' where employers seek experienced candidates, yet opportunities for young people to gain such experience are dwindling. Entry-level positions, particularly in hospitality, have significantly decreased, with vacancies halving since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. Additionally, the report highlights a concerning 70% rise in NEET individuals citing health-related barriers, especially mental health issues, as a key factor. Milburn argues that these health challenges are not merely excuses but real impediments to employment. The report serves as a diagnosis of the current crisis, with a follow-up expected to propose solutions later this year.
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The rising NEET rates indicate a growing challenge for the UK economy, as more young people struggle to enter the workforce.
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