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We look at two reports on the cost and impact of young people ‘Not in Education, Employment or Training’

“Vulnerable Children: Needs and Provision” (Research Report RR346)

Source: University of York, Social Policy Research Unit

This report touches on the concept of NEET, particularly within the context of vulnerable groups of children and young people. The discussion of NEETs is part of the broader analysis of children who are at risk of social exclusion.

Breakdown of NEET:

  • Characteristics of NEET: The report identifies NEETs as a diverse group with varied reasons for their status, including socio-economic disadvantage, lack of qualifications, disabilities, mental health issues, and involvement in the criminal justice system.
  • Subgroups: The NEET group is broken down into different subgroups, such as:
    • Long-term NEETs: Young people who have been NEET for an extended period, often facing multiple barriers to engagement.
    • Short-term NEETs: Those who are temporarily out of education or work, perhaps taking a break before pursuing further education or employment.
    • Unintentional NEETs: Young people who wish to work or study but are unable to due to barriers like lack of access to opportunities, care responsibilities, or health issues.

Cost of NEET:

  • Economic Costs: The report outlines the significant economic costs associated with NEET status, including lost productivity, increased welfare dependency, and higher public spending on health and social services.
  • Social Costs: Beyond economic impacts, NEETs are at a higher risk of social exclusion, which can lead to long-term negative outcomes such as mental health issues, substance abuse, and involvement in crime.
  • Interventions and Prevention: The report emphasizes the importance of early intervention to reduce the NEET population, suggesting targeted support for at-risk groups and improved coordination between education, health, and social services.

“Children’s Rights and the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child” (Research Briefing SN06705)

Source: UK Parliament, House of Commons Library

This briefing provides an overview of the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC) and its implications for children’s rights in the UK, with a particular focus on those not in education, employment, or training (NEET).

Breakdown of NEET:

  • Current Statistics: As of January-March 2021, there were 728,000 young people aged 16-24 classified as NEET, representing 10.6% of the population in this age group. This was a decrease of 69,000 from the previous quarter and 54,000 fewer than the same period the previous year.
  • Historical Context: The proportion of young people who were NEET increased significantly after the 2008 recession, peaking in July-September 2011 at 16.9% (1.25 million people). Since that peak, the number of NEETs has been gradually decreasing.
  • Impact of NEET Status: Studies have shown that being NEET can have long-term negative effects on young people’s physical and mental health. It also increases the likelihood of future unemployment, low wages, or engagement in low-quality work, perpetuating cycles of poverty and social exclusion.
  • Economic Activity of NEETs: Of those classified as NEET in early 2021, 44% were unemployed and actively seeking work. The remaining 56% were economically inactive, meaning they were not working, not seeking work, and/or not available to start work. Economic inactivity among NEETs is often due to factors such as health issues, caregiving responsibilities, or disengagement from the labor market.
  • Gender Disparities: Historically, more women than men were NEET, often due to responsibilities like caring for family or home. However, recent trends show a reversal, with more men now being NEET. This change is largely attributed to a decrease in the number of women who are inactive due to caregiving, and a rise in men who are inactive, often due to long-term sickness or disability.

Cost of NEET:

  • Social and Economic Costs: The high number of NEETs has significant social and economic implications. NEET status not only reflects a failure to uphold the right to education and development but also places a burden on social services and the economy. The costs include lost productivity, increased dependency on welfare, and the additional strain on health and social care systems.
  • Policy Recommendations: The briefing calls for targeted interventions to reduce the NEET population. This includes providing tailored support for at-risk groups, improving pathways to employment, and ensuring that the rights to education and work, as outlined in the UNCRC, are effectively implemented across the UK.