The number of young people not in education, employment or training (NEET) in the UK has fallen to its lowest level for the time of year since 2001, according to official figures. At the end of 2015, 853,000 16- to 24-year-olds were classified as NEET, a decrease of 110,000 compared with the same quarter in 2014.
However, the figures from the Office for National Statistics show that the number was 5,000 higher than in the summer, prompting concern from some experts. Kirstie Donnelly, managing director of City and Guilds, described the slight increase as 'worrying' after months of more positive news.
The proportion of young people who are NEET now stands at 11.8%, down from a peak of over 16% in 2011 when numbers exceeded one million. The UK-wide figures first dropped below the million mark in the first quarter of 2014.
In England, the government has raised the education participation age, requiring young people to stay in full-time education, an apprenticeship, or employment with training until they are 18. England-only figures show 690,000 NEETs at the end of 2015, almost 100,000 fewer than a year earlier and the lowest since comparable records began in 2000.
Skills Minister Nick Boles said the figures demonstrated the government's commitment to ensuring all young people are earning or learning, but stressed there was 'no room for complacency'. He highlighted plans to deliver three million new apprenticeships by 2020. However, Jenny North of Impetus PEF called for more government action to help disadvantaged young people succeed in education and employment.
