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One in seven not in work, training or education in their early 20s, UCL finds

At age 23, 14% reported being NEET, showing the problem was more common in the early 20s than in the wider age group of 16-24-year-olds.

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One in seven not in work, training or education in their early 20s, UCL finds
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One in seven young people in the UK were not in work, education or training (NEET) at age 23, new research from University College London (UCL) found. 

The study looked at 10,000 people born in 2000-02 who are part of the Millennium Cohort Study. 

At age 23, 14% reported being NEET, showing the problem was more common in the early 20s than in the wider age group of 16-24-year-olds recently reported by the Office for National Statistics (ONS).

The research found that young adults from the most disadvantaged homes were almost four times as likely to be NEET compared to those from the most well-off backgrounds. 

Those from non-graduate families were twice as likely to be NEET (18% compared to 9%) and twice as likely to have only GCSEs or equivalent (42% compared to 18%).

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Dr Habtamu Beshir, from the UCL Centre for Longitudinal Studies, said: “Our new evidence confirms the latest government data showing a high proportion of 16-24-year-olds in the UK are not in education, employment or training. 

“These worrying figures suggest that a significant number of young adults are finding it difficult to progress in the labour market in their early 20s. 

“This is especially the case for members of gen Z who have experienced disadvantages throughout childhood and adolescence.”

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Data also showed that seven in 10 were employed at age 23, with three fifths in full-time work and one in eight working part-time. 

15% said they were still in education or training. 

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47% had a higher education qualification, while 31% had only GCSEs or equivalent. 

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Of those who were NEET, 9% were actively seeking work and 5% were out of work due to sickness, disability or caring responsibilities.

The research found that long-term behavioural problems, mental health difficulties in adolescence, and special educational needs and disability (SEND) increased the chances of being NEET at 23, especially for those from less well-off backgrounds.

Beshir added: “This current generation of young people entered the labour market during the pandemic and continue to face the cost-of-living crisis and a stagnant youth labour market. 

“With these social and economic headwinds, policymakers should consider strategies that focus on intervening early in the education system to identify and support those most at risk of becoming NEET, including those with behavioural problems, mental health issues, and SEND status.”

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Professor Lindsey Macmillan, from the UCL Centre for Education Policy and Equalising Opportunities, said: “Policymakers should be looking to take a holistic, long-term approach to helping young adults transition from adolescence to adulthood. 

“Policies should take into account the interrelationship between socioeconomic background, mental health, education and employment. 

“This includes ensuring that the most disadvantaged have access to financial support and Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS) to tackle mental health challenges in childhood.”

Macmillan added: “Young people should be supported throughout school to ensure they build the skills required to leave the education system work ready.”

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