One in seven not in work, training or education in their early 20s

One in seven young people across the UK are not in education, employment or training (NEET) at age 23, according to new UCL research.

Recent reports from the Office for National Statistics reveal that around one in eight 16-24-year-olds are NEET. This puts national UK rates at their highest level for a decade. However, a new briefing paper released today [Thursday, 26 March 2026] presents a new insight. It indicates that NEET status may be more concentrated among young people at the older end of this age range.

Stark inequalities among Gen Z

The research finds stark inequalities in Gen Z’s NEET status in their early 20s. Young adults from the most disadvantaged homes are almost four times as likely to be NEET than their peers from the most well-off backgrounds (25 per cent vs 7 per cent). 

Lead author, Dr Habtamu Beshir (UCL Centre for Longitudinal Studies) said:

“Our new evidence confirms the latest government data showing a high proportion of 18-24-year-olds in the UK are not in education, employment or training. These worrying figures suggest that a significant number of young adults are finding it difficult to progress in the labour market in their early 20s. This is especially the case for members of gen Z who have experienced disadvantages throughout childhood and adolescence.”   

How the study was conducted

Researchers from the UCL Centre for Longitudinal Studies analysed data from 10,000 people born across the UK in 2000-02 who are taking part in the Millennium Cohort Study. At age 23, study participants were asked to report on their current education and employment status. The study’s authors then looked at data collected across participants’ lives to explore whether socioeconomic background, earlier behavioural and mental health problems, and special educational needs and disability (SEND) were linked to their chances of being NEET in early adulthood. 

Employment and education outcomes

Overall, 70 per cent of study participants were employed in their early 20s. 57 per cent were in full-time employment and  13 per cent were working part time. 15 per cent reported they were still in education or training. Almost half had a higher educational qualification. Just under a third had only GCSEs or equivalent. Of those who were NEET in their early 20s, about one in ten were actively seeking work. One in 20 were NEET because of sickness, disability or caring responsibilities. 

The influence of family background and early life challenges

Young people from non-graduate families were twice as likely to be NEET compared to their peers who grew up with at least one parent educated to degree level. They were also twice as likely to hold only GCSEs or equivalent qualifications compared to their peers with graduate parents. 

Having long-term behavioural problems across childhood and adolescence increased the likelihood of being NEET at age 23. Young people who were SEND, and had mental health difficulties in adolescence were also at greater risk of being NEET. However, these increased risks were compounded for young adults from disadvantaged backgrounds. Those from the least well-off families who had behavioural difficulties, mental health difficulties and SEND were more likely to be NEET at age 23 than their more advantaged peers with similar characteristics.  

Policy implications and recommendations

Dr Beshir said:

“This current generation of young people entered the labour market during the pandemic and continue to face the cost-of-living crisis and a stagnant youth labour market. With these social and economic headwinds, policymakers should consider strategies that focus on intervening early in the education system to identify and support those most at risk of becoming NEET, including those with behavioural problems, mental health issues, and SEND status.” 

Co-author, Professor Lindsey Macmillan (UCL Centre for Education Policy and Equalising Opportunities) added:

“Policymakers should be looking to take a holistic, long-term approach to helping young adults transition from adolescence to adulthood. Policies should take into account the interrelationship between socioeconomic background, mental health, education and employment. This includes ensuring that the most disadvantaged have access to financial support and Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS) to tackle mental health challenges in childhood. Young people should be supported throughout school to ensure they build the skills required to leave the education system work ready.”