Spring Statement 2026: Reeves pledges to tackle NEETs and repair apprenticeship system

Chancellor Rachel Reeves has pledged to tackle young people not in education, employment or training (NEETs) and boost youth apprenticeships in the Spring Statement 2026. 

She criticised the previous Government for a rise in NEETs.

Reeves said: “In the last five years of the previous Government, the number of young people not in education, employment or training, increased by 113,000.” 

Reeves highlighted a 40% fall in youth apprenticeship starts over the last decade.

Reeves said: “This Government will not leave an entire generation of young people behind.

“We are already taking action with additional investment to reform apprenticeships, to prioritise young people, and through the £820m youth guarantee providing young people with employment support and a guaranteed job.

“In the coming weeks, I will set up more reforms to undo the Tory legacy of neglect and give young people the support and the opportunity that they deserve.”

Shadow Chancellor Sir Mel Stride said in his response: “Of course, what we know is [unemployment] now stands at a five-year high.