Nearly one million UK young people not in education, employment or training, official data shows

Official figures show 981,000 people aged 16 to 24 were not in education, employment or training between April and June, ahead of the final instalment of Alan Milburn's review.

• The Office for National Statistics recorded 981,000 NEET 16- to 24-year-olds in April to June — one in eight of the age group — up 3% on the same period in 2025.
• Milburn's interim report warned one in six young people would be out of work within five years without action; his final recommendations are expected in the coming weeks.
• Work and Pensions Secretary Pat McFadden said ministers would "take those recommendations forward," with "proposals, legislation, if necessary."
• Shadow work and pensions secretary Helen Whately said Labour had "destroyed job opportunities for young people" through increased employer National Insurance contributions.