More than a million young people in the UK are not in education, employment or training, according to a new government report. These individuals, known as NEETs, represent a growing problem among 16- to 24-year-olds. While other European countries have recovered from the Covid-19 pandemic, Britain has not.
Struggles of the NEETs
Sammy Gecsoyler, a Guardian reporter, has spoken to several NEETs, some of whom have applied for thousands of jobs. They describe how AI and remote job applications are affecting their prospects and leaving them demoralised. Hannah, a 24-year-old Oxford graduate from a small rural town, says finding a job has been almost impossible. She won a bursary to study at Oxford but now feels her hard work has been for nothing. Her brother, aged 27, is in the same situation.
The Changing Job Market
Divya Jyoti, a lecturer at the University of Lancaster, explains that starter jobs have disappeared. She says the jobs market needs to change to support young people. The pandemic disproportionately affected young workers, and the recovery has been uneven across Europe. In the UK, the NEET rate has risen sharply, with long-term consequences for individuals and the economy.
Gecsoyler notes that the constant rejection takes a toll on young people's mental health. Many feel their education has not prepared them for a competitive job market where even entry-level positions require experience. The report highlights the need for targeted support, including skills training and job creation schemes.
