Introduction
Education and NEET (Not in Education, Employment or Training) refers to young people, typically aged 16–24, who are not participating in formal education, paid work or recognised training. Engagement in education, employment or training is a critical determinant of future life chances, supporting skills development, financial independence and social inclusion. In the UK, NEET levels have risen since 2021 and were close to one million young people in late 2025, making this a significant issue for local areas seeking to promote economic resilience and reduce inequality. Prolonged or repeated periods of being NEET are associated with poorer educational attainment, weaker attachment to the labour market and lower earnings over the life course1, 2.
Being NEET is strongly associated with worse health and wellbeing outcomes. Young people who are not in education, employment or training experience higher rates of depression, anxiety, psychological distress and self‑reported poor physical health. Evidence shows that early disengagement can have long‑term “scarring effects”, with those persistently NEET between ages 16–24 significantly more likely to be unemployed and in poor health in midlife. Health problems are both a cause and a consequence of NEET status, creating a reinforcing cycle of disadvantage that can be difficult to break without coordinated support across education, health and employment services3, 4.
High levels of NEET also carry substantial costs to society. These include lost productivity and reduced economic output, lower tax revenues, and increased demand on welfare, health and social care services. National analysis suggests the post‑pandemic rise in NEET has resulted in around £20 billion in lost GDP, with wider long‑term social costs linked to unemployment, poverty and exclusion. Addressing education and NEET is therefore not only a matter of improving individual outcomes, but a key lever for improving population health, reducing inequalities and supporting sustainable economic growth at a local and national level5, 6.
Other JSNA topics this topic closely linked to:
- Employment & Economic Gworth
- Housing
- Mental Health
- Poverty
- SEND
- Young People's Mental Health