Marvin OnumonuOffice for National Statistics (ONS) data showed a fall in the number of young people aged 16 to 24 not in education, employment or training (NEET) in Q3, July to September 2025.
The total stood at 946,000, down by 1,000 compared to the previous quarter.
NEETs made up 12.7% of people aged 16 to 24 in the UK, down 0.1% on the quarter and 0.3 points on the year.
The number of young men who were NEET rose by 15,000 to 512,000, while young women fell by 16,000 to 434,000.
The NEET rate for men was 13.4%, for women it was 11.9%.
For those aged 18 to 24, the NEET total reached 880,000, up 7,000 on the quarter, making up 15.1% of that age group.
There were 366,000 unemployed NEETs aged 16 to 24, up 1,000 on the quarter, with 238,000 men and 128,000 women.
Unemployed NEET men increased by 14,000, while unemployed NEET women fell by 12,000.
Economically inactive NEETs in this age group numbered 580,000, down 3,000 since April to June 2025.
There were 274,000 men and 306,000 women. Young women saw a decrease of 4,000, and young men an increase of 1,000.
Kevin Fitzgerald, UK managing director at Employment Hero, said: “Today’s ONS figures show how important it is to invest in the next generation.
“Young people are competing harder than ever for new roles, but they need real opportunities to build experience.
“Apprenticeships can play a big part here. They give employers a low-risk way to bring in new talent while helping young people learn practical skills in a tough labour market.”
Fitzgerald added: “As a former apprentice myself, I know first-hand how powerful that route can be.
“It gave me a headstart without the pressure of student debt and real world experience that the majority of my peers didn’t have.
“It’s a win for employers too – that early investment often leads to better retention and lower training costs.”
He added: “Our latest employment data shows that year-on-year growth is still lagging behind pre-April 2025 levels, after reforms were implemented.
“If we want the labour market moving again, bold action is needed.
“One of the best ways to do that is to put apprenticeships on the same level as other paths like university and shift the perception that they’re a second choice.”
He said: “That means the government, employers, schools and parents working together. #
“Apprenticeships are an investment in our future workforce and a practical way to address the UK’s long-term skills gaps.”
