Responding to the publication of the Milburn Review interim report and latest ONS figures, the CIPD said greater investment and policy intervention were needed to support young people entering the labour market.
Neil Greenberg, president of the Society of Occupational Medicine, said employers felt more confident hiring and supporting young people with health conditions when they had access to work and health expertise.
The McDonald’s Youth Confidence Index 2026 showed 44% of NEETs had a clear plan for their career, compared with 66% of other young people.
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.
Dan Challis said for many young people, especially those with fewer GCSEs or equivalent qualifications, the route into work can be unclear.
Rachel Reeves said: "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.”
Between October and December 2025, an estimated 20,000 people aged 16 to 24 in NI were NEET, making up 9.7% of this age group, down from 11.7% in the previous quarter.
The scheme was launched across South Yorkshire to help young people aged 16 to 30 who are not in employment, education or training.
The campaign, called You’re Not Just Anyone, highlights the work of frontline teams supporting more than 4,000 people across the UK.
Claire Ward, said: “This programme is about more than skills – it’s about confidence, resilience and belonging.”
The total stood at 946,000, down by 1,000 compared to the previous quarter.
Between January 2020 and December 2024, there were 49,000 fewer British under 25s on payrolls, while under 25s from outside the EU in jobs rose by 258,000.