A new study from the Centre for Cities reveals that more than a third of young people in England not in employment, education or training (Neets) are concentrated in the nine largest cities. The think tank's research highlights "stark differences" between areas, with young people in some cities and large towns more than three times as likely to be Neet as those in others.
London leads with 117,100 Neets
London has the largest number of Neets, an estimated 117,100, or one in six of all Neets in England, according to the report. Birmingham follows with 45,000, and Manchester with 37,700. The study also identifies Blackpool, where 21% of young people are Neet, as having a particularly high proportion.
Other cities with large numbers of Neets include Doncaster, Bradford, Middlesbrough and Barnsley, each at 17%. In contrast, York has the lowest share of Neets at 6%, followed by Nottingham at 8%, with Bristol, Brighton and Portsmouth all at 9%.
Local economies key to tackling Neet rates
Rob Johnson, senior analyst at the Centre for Cities, said: "Getting young people into work or training is a national challenge that will be won or lost in England’s cities. In places like Birmingham, the scale of the problem is striking, with 45,000 out of education or training."
Johnson added: "In other places like Blackpool, the actual number is small but the proportion of young people affected is very high. This shows there can’t be a single national solution. Stronger local economies are essential."
Mayors need more powers to address barriers
The report argues that interventions will only go so far if areas lack jobs or training places. Johnson stated: "Mayors need the powers to tackle the barriers that young people face, whether that’s skills, training, or the ability to actually get to jobs and courses from where they live."
The findings suggest that addressing the Neet challenge requires tailored local approaches rather than a one-size-fits-all national policy, with economic development and transport connectivity playing crucial roles in helping young people access opportunities.
