Young people out of work, training and 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 in the UK 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 actively looking for work in the last three months of 2025.

However, they are slightly lower - 0.4% - than the same period last year.