Responding to the latest ONS figures on young people who are NEET (not in education, employment or training), Stephen Evans, Chief Executive of Learning and Work Institute, said:
“The number of young people not in education, employment or training is estimated to be at its highest level in a decade. The number of NEETs has risen by 150,000 since the pandemic, a 20% rise. Problems with the Labour Force Survey mean we should be cautious in interpreting the data, but it is clear too many young people are not in work or education. We urgently need to tackle this to prevent long-term damage to young people’s career prospects. The Government’s upcoming Youth Guarantee needs to include a step change in apprenticeships, education and help to find work.”
Contact our press office2 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.
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.
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.
20 Hydref 2026
Labour Market Briefing: October 2026
Our analysis of the ONS labour market statistics, released on the morning of 20 October 2026.
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.
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.
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.
15 Medi 2026
Labour Market Briefing: September 2026
Our analysis of the ONS labour market statistics, released on the morning of 15 September 2026.
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.
