The number of young people not in employment, education or training has fallen slightly but remains close to a million, figures show.

The Office for National Statistics (ONS) said the number of so-called Neets aged 16 to 24 in July to September was estimated to be 946,000, down from 948,000 in April to June.

The proportion of young people who are Neet has been rising since 2021, and the current level is the highest since 2014.

A total of 39% of the young people who were Neet in April to June 2025 were unemployed.

The remaining 61% were economically inactive, which means they were not working, not seeking work and/or not available to start work.

Historically more women than men have been Neet, but in recent years there have generally been more men who are Neet.

James Toop, chief exe

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