Twenty-year-old Libby, a single mother, exemplifies the struggles faced by many young people in the UK. She’s applied for countless jobs—in factories, care facilities, hospitals—with no success, despite actively distributing her CV in Grimsby, Lincolnshire.
“It’s depressing,” she explains to the BBC. “You constantly apply, fight for work, and hear nothing back.”
Libby’s situation reflects a larger trend. New Office for National Statistics (ONS) data reveals that in the first quarter of 2025, an estimated 923,000 16- to 24-year-olds were classified as NEET (Not in Education, Employment, or Training)—approximately one in eight young people.
While this figure represents a slight decrease from the previous year, Work and Pensions Secretary Liz Kendall emphasizes the severity of the situation: “Nearly a million young people remain locked out of the system.” February’s ONS figures, covering October to December 2024, showed a concerning 11-year high of 987,000 NEETs.
Currently pursuing a first-aid course—a step toward her dream of owning a dog grooming business—Libby highlights the challenges faced in Grimsby, an area with lower-than-average employment rates.
Curtis, 22, shares similar experiences. While receiving Universal Credit, he’s also applied for hundreds of jobs, expressing his frustration with unemployment and his desire for purpose, whether operating a forklift or providing customer service.
The ONS data, derived from the Labour Force Survey, shows a significant portion (569,000) of NEETs are economically inactive, not actively seeking employment. Although this number has decreased, the number of unemployed young people actively searching for work has increased by 21,000.
Analysis suggests long-term sickness and mental health issues are significant contributing factors. Data from the Department for Education reveals that in 2023, almost one in five NEETs (19.5%) had a diagnosed mental health condition.
Tegan, 23, from Newquay, Cornwall, exemplifies this connection. Struggling with mental health and lacking GCSE qualifications, she’s been economically inactive. She’s now receiving support from a mental health charity and plans to return to education.
Even university graduates aren’t immune. Analysis by the Youth Futures Foundation indicates that approximately 90,000 graduates are among the NEET figures. Inaz Hussain, a 2022 film production graduate, has been unemployed for six months despite internships and short-term contracts, now applying for diverse roles.
Hussain highlights the frustration and lack of understanding from older generations, urging greater empathy for the challenges faced by young job seekers.
While the government cites a decrease in NEET numbers and invests £45m in a youth guarantee, the underlying issue of young people not seeking work remains a complex and significant challenge requiring a multifaceted approach.
The club, founded in 2013, says it wants to train up the top players of the future.
The exhibition showcases work from children of a range of ages.
Isak Sandgren-Clarke will complete the walk over two days to support The Door youth project.
The council says it will use the feedback on growing up in the area to help shape future decisions.
The free club bus is offering support and activities for young people over the summer.