More Young People in the UK Becoming Layabouts: Neither Working Nor Studying

The phenomenon of young people struggling to find employment is often seen as a problem typical of developing countries. However, a recent report from the Resolution Foundation shows that a similar situation is occurring in the UK. The number of young people who are not working, not studying, and not undergoing training in the UK is now approaching one million, the highest in more than a decade. This situation confirms that the challenges of transitioning young generations into the workforce have become a global issue, not just a local one. The UK Lags Behind Among Developed Countries Among wealthy European countries, the UK records the third highest NEET (Not in Education, Employment, or Training) rate. The figure is even higher than in Germany and Denmark, and more than three times that of the Netherlands. The NEET group consists of those who are not studying, not working, and not participating in any training. Although some European countries like Italy and Lithuania record higher numbers, the UK’s position is in the spotlight because it lags behind compared to advanced countries with similar levels of welfare. From 2019 to 2025, the NEET rate among 18-24-year-olds increased from 13% to 15%, reflecting a worsening condition in youth participation in education and the labour market. Unresolved Systemic Problems The rise in the number of young people not working in the UK is the result of a combination of various factors, from economic to health issues. Lindsay Judge added that, in addition to investing in youth mental health and vocational education, changing young people’s views on the benefits system is a way countries like the Netherlands keep NEET rates low, even a third of the UK’s. The Government Prepares Trillions in Funding, But Is It Enough? The UK government acknowledges that too many young people are “locked out” from access to jobs and education. To address this, they have prepared a major programme worth £2.5 billion to create up to one million job and training opportunities for young people. In addition, an extra £3.5 billion has been allocated to support working-age groups experiencing health problems or disabilities. At the same time, Alan Milburn, a former Labour health minister, has been tasked with reviewing structural barriers that prevent young people from entering the workforce. The government is also seeking to shift the approach from a mere “welfare state” to a “working state”, which emphasises active participation in the economy. However, criticism continues to emerge. Some parties assess that existing policies are still too focused on budget efficiency rather than increasing real support for young job seekers. Without improvements in mental health, education, and work support systems, these efforts are feared not to be sufficient to address the root problems.