Nearly One Million British Youth Not in Education or Employment

london - Close to a million British young people under 25 are neither in school nor employed, facing mental health issues and addictions like drug use, pornography, and excessive gaming.

Nearly One Million British Youth Not in Education or Employment

Alarm bells are ringing as almost a million Britons under 25, one in eight of the total, are neither in school nor employed, known as Neets. Many prefer staying at home and demand high pay, with mental health issues and addictions like drugs, pornography, and excessive gaming on the rise.

Rising Numbers and Causes

The current situation has hit its peak since 2013, attributed to a cooling job market and increasing mental health problems exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic and lockdowns.

Government Response and Challenges

Former Minister Mel Stride linked the high number of unemployed young men to addictions, advocating for addressing the underlying causes. The current minister, Liz Kendall, emphasizes the need to make work rewarding and tackle the root causes of unemployment.

In comparison, the Netherlands had fewer than 100,000 inactive youth in 2023, highlighting the concerning situation in the UK. Efforts are being made to engage and motivate young people to strive for their goals and contribute to society.

Youth Perspective and Economic Impact

Youth worker Graham Cowley stresses the importance of engaging youth early to instill a sense of purpose and drive. Lord Watts suggests that young people may deem the benefits of work insufficient, opting for comfort over striving for success in life.