Responding to the latest ONS figures on young people who are NEET (not in education, employment or training), Stephen Evans, chief executive at Learning and Work Institute, said:

“Almost one in seven young people is not in education, employment or training, risking long-term damage to their career prospects. The good news is that this seems to be stabilising, but at a far too high level. Rises in the number of unemployed NEETs and falls in the number economically inactive shows more young people are looking for work, but many are facing challenges finding a job. Underneath the headlines, young men are more likely to be NEET than young women, a trend that has emerged since the pandemic. And NEET rates are highest among 21-24 year olds, yet the Government’s Youth Guarantee in England is focused on 18-21 year olds.”

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2 Tachwedd 2026

From writing off to reaching out? Government plans for young people on health-related benefits

Ahead of the publication of the Milburn Review, L&W’s deputy director Elizabeth Gerard sets out key considerations for the Government.

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29 Hydref 2026

Time to make the Youth Guarantee real: A promise and plan for every young person

Ahead of the publication of the Milburn Review, L&W’s chief executive Stephen Evans proposes five actions to reduce the number of young people not in education, employment or training.

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28 Hydref 2026

Responding to Autumn Budget 2026

Learning and Work Institute Chief Executive Stephen Evans responds to the Autumn Budget on 28 October 2026.

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20 Hydref 2026

Labour Market Briefing: October 2026

Our analysis of the ONS labour market statistics, released on the morning of 20 October 2026.

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20 Hydref 2026

Labour market dashboard

Every month, Learning and Work Institute produces detailed and timely analysis of the latest labour market statistics from ONS. Explore our interactive charts.

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20 Hydref 2026

Labour market stats response, October 2026

L&W’s chief executive Stephen Evans responds to the latest labour market data from ONS.

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30 Medi 2026

From appetite to opportunity

This report for The St Martin’s Group draws on a survey of more than 1,000 HR decision makers to examine employers’ plans to recruit young people, the routes they expect to use, the barriers they face, and the support they need.

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15 Medi 2026

Labour Market Briefing: September 2026

Our analysis of the ONS labour market statistics, released on the morning of 15 September 2026.

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15 Medi 2026

Cambridgeshire and Peterborough’s Youth Guarantee Trailblazer: Implementation and process evaluation

This report presents findings from L&W’s implementation and process evaluation of year one of Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Combined Authority’s Youth Guarantee Trailblazer.

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