Inquiry launched as number of ‘Neets’ at nearly a million

The government is launching an independent review into the growing number of young people out of work and education across the UK.

- MAIRA BUTT

Nearly one million people - one in eight - aged between 16 and 24 are currently not in work or education, with the numbers set to increase in the coming weeks, according to work and pensions secretary Pat McFadden.

The inquiry into the rising numbers will be led by former Labour health secretary Alan Milburn and will publish its findings in the summer of 2026.

"The rising number of young people who are not in education, employment or training is a crisis of opportunity that demands more action to give them the chance to learn or earn," Mr McFadden told The Times.

"We cannot afford to lose a generation of young people to a life on benefits, with no work prospects and not enough hope."