Figures out today show 957,000 young people are not earning or learning - 11,000 more than the previous quarter.  

The figures are government estimates for October to December 2025, and show the increase was driven by young women: 13,000 more not in education, employment or training (NEET). Among young men, there was a drop of 2,000.  

The charity Impetus today highlights the new figure is a 2.1 percentage-point increase since before the pandemic. Impetus has published analysis that reveals this surge has cost the UK economy nearly £21 billion in lost GDP. 

Iona Ledwidge, CEO of the youth employment charity Spear, said: “The new NEET figures are a loss for the UK and a loss for young people. They represent billions lost to the UK economy, while young people themselves are losing hope.   

“But while it’s certainly a tough jobs market, there’s a lot more to be done to support young people who’ve lost faith in themselves and don’t believe they can work. Spending time unemployed before the age of 23 is linked to lower wages even two decades later – it has a ‘scarring effect’.  

“Our coaches work with over 1,200 young people like this every year. With the right support, they can transform their mindset and thrive in a job. Over 70% of those who finish Spear are in work or education a year later.” 

Spear will support 1,200 young people this year to overcome barriers and thrive in work. 

Former Spear trainee La’Seye had been homeless and out of work until she did Spear in Hammersmith, London. 

She says: “Spear gave me a reason to show up for myself and my future.”  

Spear supports young people at 18 Spear Centres across England and Wales. 

Last month, government figures showed a wide disparity in NEET levels across the UK. Generally, areas with a higher risk of being “not in education, employment or training” (NEET) are in the North of England and the Midlands.  

NEET rates are highest in the North East of England, with an estimated 17.3% young people not earning or learning. Spear is targeting areas of high need and now has a centre in Gateshead. This year, we plan to open at least three more centres, including the first in the Midlands. 

You can find out more about Spear or apply to join the Spear Programme through the Spear website, where you can also read the stories of young people like La’Seye who’ve got onto the career ladder even after facing huge barriers to work.