Youth NEET figures exceed one million ahead of landmark employment review

The number of young people who are Not in Education, Employment or Training (NEET) has surpassed one million, according to latest estimates reported by FE Week. This milestone highlights the considerable challenge facing local authorities and national policymakers in supporting young people to transition successfully from education into sustainable employment and training opportunities. The statistics emerge ahead of Alan Milburn's landmark review into young people and work, which is expected to examine systemic barriers to employment and recommend reforms to improve outcomes. For Lead Members with responsibility for skills and children's services, these numbers underscore the urgent need for effective partnerships between further education colleges, employers, and youth support services to prevent young people from becoming disengaged from both learning and economic activity. The forthcoming review presents a critical opportunity to influence national policy on vocational training, apprenticeships, and the targeted interventions required to bring NEET young people back into education or employment. Local government will be watching closely to see how recommendations align with existing pressures around skills gaps, funding for post-16 provision, and the capacity to deliver tailored support for vulnerable groups.