Nearly one million young people in the United Kingdom are currently not in employment, education, or training (NEET), with DfE data highlighting regional disparities across the country.

A report released this morning by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) reveals that one in eight young people are now classified as NEET, with 6 in 10 of these young people having never held a job, a significant increase from the 4 in 10 recorded in 2005.

The government has acknowledged its responsibility in addressing the issue, stating that while employers, schools, health services, local councils, and families all have a role to play, only ministers can establish the infrastructure, incentives, and accountability required to fix the crisis.

The co-chairs of the Youth Employment Group reacted to the findings: “We’ve called for urgent action to tackle the systemic issues that mean nearly one million young people are left out of employment and education, risking long-term damage to their health and careers.”

Susannah Hardyman MBE, Chief Executive Officer at Impetus, added: “Reaching more than one million young people who are neither earning nor learning is a national tragedy, and one that was not inevitable. Unless drastic action is taken, we are at risk of a whole generation being scarred by a lack of employment and education opportunities.”

Geodata analysis

Polimapper’s data visualisation highlights local fluctuations. More than 20 local authorities saw over 5% of their 16-to-17-year-old population classified as NEET in 2025.

According to figures from the Department for Education, Derby and Blackpool recorded the highest NEET rates in the country, with both areas standing at 7.6%, closely followed by Stockton-on-Tees at 7.2%.

Conversely, London boroughs record the lowest rates in England. The metropolitan areas of Barnet and Rutland registered NEET rates below 1%.

Explore the visualisation below to learn more about figures in your area.