Young people in the poorest households three times more likely to be out of work or education

Our new analysis shows a worrying trend: young people growing up in the UK’s lowest‑income households are over three times more likely to be out of work, education or training (often known as NEET: Not in Education, Employment or Training) than those from the wealthiest homes. This divide isn’t just about jobs – it’s about the impact those jobs have young people’s health, stability and the opportunities to build a life where they can truly thrive.

Using 15 years of data from the Understanding Society survey, researchers found that a young person’s chances in life are heavily shaped by where they live, how much money their family has and their parents’ education. For example, 25% of young people from the lowest‑income households are not earning or learning, compared with just 7% from the highest‑income families. The same pattern appears for parental education too. 

A growing mental health gap 

The research also shows a huge rise in mental health issues among young people not earning or learning. Back in 2009–10, around 30% had a likely mental health condition. Today, it’s doubled to 60%. Long waits for support, fewer good‑quality job opportunities and the lasting effects of the pandemic all play a role. At the same time, better awareness and diagnosis mean more young people are getting identified – but not necessarily getting the help they need to stay in work or education. 

Place still matters 

Regional divides remain just as stark. The North East has consistently had some of the highest NEET rates (18%), while Northern Ireland sits at the lowest (8%). The South West has seen one of the biggest shifts, moving from the lowest rates of young people not earning or learning 15 years ago to among the highest today. 

A gender divide 

One noticeable shift is that young men are now more likely to be NEET than young women – a reversal of the pattern seen a decade ago. This may suggest that fewer women are stepping out of the workforce because of caring responsibilities, while changes in the labour market – particularly the decline of traditionally male-dominated roles like manufacturing and manual work – are having a greater impact on young men. 

Why good‑quality work matters for health 

Having a stable job or a place in education doesn’t just provide income – it’s one of the building blocks of good health. Work gives young people purpose, routine and confidence. Without it, physical and mental wellbeing can quickly suffer. 

The government’s new Youth Jobs Grant, apprenticeship incentives and expansion of the Jobs Guarantee are positive steps to help young people into work. But as the data shows, these measures have to reach those with the greatest need to ensure no community is left behind. 

Paul McDonald, Chief Campaigns Officer at Health Equals, summed it up: 

This data tells a story of deep-rooted generational inequalities in the UK, creating a vicious cycle where some young people are being forgotten. 

The right job or training can do so much more than simply pay the bills or help you learn a new skill. It can bring financial stability, a sense of purpose and achievement. When we’re in good, stable employment, education or training, we’re more likely to stay mentally and physically well.

Breaking the cycle 

That’s why Alan Milburn’s review into the “lost generation” of young people not earning or learning needs to focus on cross-government action – particularly investment in local support to help young people back into work, more high‑quality training opportunities, and a cross‑government strategy to tackle health inequalities. 

Dr Luke Munford, who led the analysis, added: 

The evidence is clear: government must invest in early mental‑health support, expand high‑quality training and apprenticeships, and target resources to regions and groups facing the greatest disadvantage. Without decisive action, we risk embedding inequalities that will shape outcomes for decades to come.

Good health and good jobs go hand‑in‑hand – and this analysis shows just how urgently we need to act to give every young person the chance to build a healthy, secure future.