The number of young people in the UK not in education, employment or training (NEET) reached a record high in the April-June period, according to official figures.
Record NEET numbers
Data from the Office for National Statistics (ONS) showed that 1.1 million young people aged 16-24 were NEET in the second quarter of 2026, the highest level since records began in 1992.
The figure represents 13.6% of all young people in that age group, up from 12.8% in the previous quarter.
Reasons for the rise
The ONS said the increase was driven by a rise in the number of young people who were economically inactive, particularly those looking after family or home, or who were long-term sick.
The number of unemployed young people also rose slightly, but the main driver was the rise in inactivity.
Impact and reaction
Youth unemployment charities and campaign groups said the figures were "deeply concerning" and called for more support for young people to help them into work or training.
The government said it was committed to helping young people "reach their full potential" and pointed to its plan to increase the number of apprenticeships.
