"Young People Are Not Lacking in Effort"... UK on Alert as NEET Population Surpasses 1 Million

1. Projected to Reach 1.25 Million Within Five Years
"What's Lacking Are Opportunities and Support"
Warning of a 'Lost Generation'

Image created with generative AI to aid understanding of the article. ChatGPT

A warning has been issued that the number of young people in the United Kingdom who are neither working nor participating in education has surpassed 1 million, putting the country at risk of producing a "lost generation."

According to a youth employment report commissioned by the UK government, the number of 16- to 24-year-olds not engaged in employment, education, or training exceeded 1 million in the first quarter of this year, Yonhap News reported on May 29, citing AFP. This is the first time since 2013 that the figure has reached this level.

The report warned that if no action is taken, this figure could rise to 1.25 million within five years—equivalent to one in six young people.

The report also noted that 84% of the "NEET" population want to work or participate in vocational training, but many young people are struggling to take the first step in their careers. NEET stands for "Not in Education, Employment or Training," referring to young people who are not working and are not participating in education or vocational training.

The report identified the sharp decline in entry-level jobs—such as positions in the hotel and restaurant sector, weekend part-time work, and apprenticeship programs—as a major cause.

Alan Milburn, a former Labour minister who led the report, said at a press conference, "We are at risk of losing an entire generation," adding, "This is a warning that too many young people are reaching adulthood only to find the doors of opportunity closed."

He emphasized, "It is not a lack of effort among young people. What is lacking are opportunities and support."

UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer described the report as "a sobering reflection of reality," but also pledged to prepare additional measures, stating, "We will not allow a lost generation to emerge."

Meanwhile, in South Korea, the number of young people who are neither working nor seeking employment—classified as "taking a break"—is also on the rise, indicating a deepening trend of youth withdrawing from the job market. Last month, the number of people aged 25 to 29 identified as "taking a break" increased by 31,000 compared to the same month last year. This is the largest increase since the number rose by 96,000 in 2020.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.