What does NEET mean? Why is Britain facing a ‘lost generation’ of 1.25 million young people? |World News

The UK is facing concerns that an increasing number of young people are being classified as “NEET” rather than in education, employment or training, with experts warning the country could be heading towards a “lost generation”.A major review led by former Labor cabinet minister Alan Milburn has warned that without urgent action, the number of young people losing their jobs and education could rise by 25% to 1.25 million by the early 2030s, The Guardian reports.Milburn’s findings, due to be published on Thursday, are expected to warn that the UK risks widening the divide between younger and older generations if issues in education, healthcare, welfare and the job market are not addressed.The warning comes against a backdrop of rising youth unemployment, worsening mental health issues, pressures on public services and fears that artificial intelligence could reshape entry-level jobs.NEET stands for “Not in Education, Employment or Training”. The term is used to describe young people, usually between the ages of 16 and 24, who are not studying, working or receiving work-related training.Governments and economists use this number to measure how successfully young people are entering the workforce.The rise in NEET numbers is often linked to economic recession, poor employment opportunities, health problems and gaps in the education system.

The review combines this increase with a decline in entry-level jobs, mental health challenges and financial pressures.According to pre-publication excerpts reviewed by The Guardian, the report says employers and governments are failing young people as opportunities continue to shrink in sectors such as hospitality, leisure and retail.Job vacancies for first-time workers have fallen sharply in recent years, while apprenticeship opportunities for young people have fallen by 35% in the past decade.The review also noted that traditional Saturday jobs, which once helped teenagers gain early work experience and enter the workforce, were in decline.Mental health has emerged as another major issue. Anxiety and depression, coupled with long NHS waiting lists, make it harder for some young people to continue in education or employment.Meanwhile, business groups warn that higher employment costs are discouraging companies from hiring younger workers.Tina McKenzie, policy chair of the Federation of Small Businesses, told the Guardian that soaring employment costs were “a major factor” in the rise in NEET numbers.Milburn is expected to argue that the increase reflects deeper failures in the education, health and welfare systems rather than a lack of ambition among young people.