Wasted generation: More than half a million young Brits not in work, education or training have NEVER had a job
- Has YOUR child never had a job and aged between 16-24? Email Tom.Cotterill@mailonline.co.uk
More than half a million young people not in work, education or training have never had a job, a shocking analysis has found.
A staggering 13 per cent of all 16 to 24-year-olds in the UK are not in education, employment or training (NEET) - equating to nearly one million young people.
New research by the Learning and Work Institute (L&W) showed that three in five (58 per cent) of NEETs have never had a paid job.
The study also warned of how it is much harder for young people to get back on track once they have been a NEET for a sustained period of time.
Almost half (48 per cent) are still not in education, employment or training a year after they first become a NEET.
Sir Keir Starmer has said the number of inactive young Britons is a 'moral issue', with the Prime Minister warning of a 'wasted generation'.
The L&W analysis showed how the majority of NEETs are economically inactive (59 per cent), meaning they are currently unavailable for work or not looking for work .
This is primarily because of a long-term health condition or disability (27 per cent of NEETs), looking after their family or home (13 per cent), or for other reasons (19 per cent).
New research by the Learning and Work Institute (L&W) showed that three in five (58 per cent) of NEETs have never had a paid job
A staggering 13 per cent of all 16 to 24-year-olds in the UK are not in education, employment or training (NEET) - equating to nearly one million young people
The analysis showed how the majority of NEETs are economically inactive (59%). This is primarily because of a long-term health condition or disability
The research found the percentage of young people in England who are not currently seeking employment or are unable to work because of health reasons has more than doubled in the past decade.
Meanwhile, 48 per cent of NEETs in the UK who have a health condition or disability do not report their health as the main reason they are a NEET.
The L&W study stated the high percentage of NEETs who have never had a paid job was, in part, driven by high proportions of under-18s who have not started working yet.
But it also showed that even for NEET young people over the age of 18, a substantial proportion have never had a paid job.
Two-fifths (39 per cent) of NEETs have never had a paid job and left full time education before the age of 19.
L&W's recently updated 'Youth Opportunity Index' revealed how there are substantial disparities in the opportunities available to young people across England.
NEET rates were significantly higher in Wales (15 per cent) and the North East (16 per cent) as they were in London (9 per cent) and the South East (10 per cent).
Sixteen of the 20 best areas for youth opportunities are in London.
Stephen Evans, chief executive of L&W, said the number of NEETs who have never had a paid job is 'really very stark and very worrying'.
'It's not a massive surprise for 16 year-olds,' he added.
'But the fact that you've got people heading into their mid-twenties and half of them have never had a proper job is quite shocking.
'It is going to have a long-term impact on their career prospects if we don't do something quite urgently.'
L&W's recently updated 'Youth Opportunity Index' revealed how there are substantial disparities in the opportunities available to young people across England
NEET rates were significantly higher in Wales (15 per cent) and the North East (16 per cent) as they were in London (9 per cent) and the South East (10 per cent)
As part of Labour's bid to overhaul the welfare system, Work and Pensions Secretary Liz Kendall is planning a 'Youth Guarantee' for 18 to 21-year-olds.
This will see mayors and local authorities asked to ensure young people have access to an apprenticeship, training and education opportunities or help to find a job.
Those who refuse to take up work and training opportunities will lose their benefits, Ms Kendall has warned.
Mr Evans said: 'The Government's introduction of a 'Youth Guarantee' in England is a step in the right direction – but it will need a laser-like focus on delivery and greater investment to improve opportunities.
'Talent is evenly distributed in our country, but opportunity isn't. That needs to change.'
A Department for Work and Pensions spokesman said ministers were 'determined that no young person gets left behind'.
He added: 'Our reforms to get Britain working will empower mayors and local areas to join up local work, health, and skills support to tackle inactivity in their areas, deliver a Youth Guarantee so every young person is either earning or learning, and overhaul JobCentres across the country.
'We're also making sure young people get the right support, from better mental health services to proper careers advice, so that everyone has the chance to succeed in life.'
