The troubled landscape of youth employment in the UK is highlighted by the fact that one in eight individuals aged 16 to 24 are not participating in work or education. Recent data from the Office for National Statistics (ONS) reveals that approximately 923,000 youths find themselves in a state designated as NEET (not in education, employment, or training). This statistic bears a weighty significance, illustrating both the struggles faced by young individuals and the continuing difficulties within the job market.
Twenty-year-old Libby from Grimsby is a poignant case study amidst this growing concern. Struggling to find stable employment, she has applied for numerous positions, e.g., in factories, care work, and hospitals, all in an effort to support herself and her young son. “I’ve walked around the shops, gone into businesses giving out my CV,” Libby lamented to the BBC, reflecting a proactive, yet disheartening approach to securing work. The emotional toll is clearly significant; the despair she experiences from not receiving any responses takes a visible toll on her mental well-being.
While Libby navigates her struggle for work, the current NEET figures, although showing a slight decline from the previous year, still indicate that a concerning number of youth are out of the employment loop. Despite a minimal decrease this year, Work and Pensions Secretary Liz Kendall underscored that nearly a million young people remain “locked out of the system.” This comment is particularly relevant given the broader unemployment trends; indeed, the number of NEET individuals reached an alarming 987,000 last February, setting an 11-year high.
In contrast, other youths are attempting to improve their fortunes through education. Libby, for instance, has taken the initiative by enrolling in a first aid course at a local charity center—an opportunity provided through a job center referral—which aligns with her aspirations of starting her dog grooming business someday. However, the challenge remains hardware due to the relatively low employment rates in Grimsby compared to the national average.
Curtis, a 22-year-old from the same region, is experiencing a similar plight. He shares Libby’s sentiments regarding job applications, having sent out hundreds without success. Curtis genuinely expresses his desire for purpose and stability, noting, “I don’t want to be unemployed,” while relying on Universal Credit as he navigates this challenging job market. Latest ONS data reflects a troubling aspect of youth unemployment, showing that the number of economically inactive individuals primarily contributes to the NEET statistics, which is exacerbated by factors such as long-term sickness and mental health issues.
This alarming trend is especially pronounced in locations like Cornwall, where Tegan, a 23-year-old, faces obstacles stemming from her past academic struggles and mental health concerns. She conveys the deep emotional struggle of feeling disconnected from education and the workforce, saying, “It’s meant that I’ve been left in this really quite big void.” Thankfully, she’s receiving support through a mental health charity and aspires to return to college to obtain her qualifications.
Adding another layer to the youth employment crisis, not even the most qualified individuals are guaranteed jobs. Inaz Hussain, for example, graduated with a film production degree only to find himself unemployed six months later, despite having completed internships. He finds his educational accomplishments seem insufficient in securing employment, as he now casts a wider net, applying for roles in marketing and retail.
As the NEET numbers continue to spotlight the struggles faced by the youth population, policymakers are under pressure to enact change. Secretary Kendall has argued that the government’s investment of £45 million in a youth guarantee initiative aims to provide meaningful opportunities for young people. However, addressing the root causes of youth economic inactivity remains a complex endeavor requiring multifaceted solutions. The plight of Libby, Curtis, and others exemplifies a demographic caught in the crossroads of ambition and reality, striving for work yet often thwarted by systemic barriers; a landscape that needs urgent attention and action.