UK Young People Not in Work or Education Rise to 957,000 in Late 2023

In Brief

ONS reports 957,000 UK youth aged 16-24 not in education, employment, or training in late 2023.

Key Facts

• The Office for National Statistics reported 957,000 young people aged 16 to 24 were not in education, employment, or training (Neet) in the three months from October to December 2023
• This number increased by 11,000 compared to the previous quarter, according to ONS data
• The rise in Neet numbers was primarily due to an increase among young women, ONS stated
• BBC News noted that people at the start of their careers are particularly affected by the UK's weak job market
• A government adviser was quoted by The Guardian as saying the expectation that each generation will do better than the last is being broken

What Happened

According to the Office for National Statistics, the number of young people aged 16 to 24 in the UK who were not in education, employment, or training reached 957,000 in the last quarter of 2023. This represents an increase of 11,000 from the previous quarter, with the rise mainly attributed to young women. BBC News reported that this trend affects those starting their careers amid a weak job market.

Why It Matters

The reported increase in young people not engaged in work or education may have implications for the UK labor market and education systems. A government adviser cited by The Guardian highlighted concerns about changing generational economic expectations. These observations are based on official statistics and statements from public sources.