The number of young people in the UK who are not in education, employment or training (NEET) falls below 1 million in the latest three-month period. Figures from the Office for National Statistics show 981,000 people aged 16 to 24 are NEET in April to June, down from 1.012 million in January to March.
The Independent reports the overall figure had previously gone over a million earlier this year, while the Guardian and Mirror also highlight the move below the 1 million threshold. The Guardian notes that, on an annual basis, the number of NEETs is 30,000 higher than a year ago, and that the proportion remains around 13%, among the highest levels in Europe. The Mirror adds that ministers warn there is “no quick fix,” indicating the improvement does not resolve longer-term concerns about economic inactivity among young people.
