The British Chambers of Commerce (BCC) is warning of a lost generation unless the Government urgently tackles the jobs crisis among young people.
It says immediate action is needed to remove barriers preventing almost a million people in Generation Z from engaging with work, education and contributing to society.
The report has been produced by the BCC’s People and Work Challenge Group, drawing on expertise from Chambers, Business Council members, think tanks and charities.
It highlights that the economic benefit of tackling the NEET challenge could add £69bn to UK output. And it calls for Government to align its response to the issue across all departments as the problem is likely to worsen in the short term.
Data from the Office for National Statistics shows the number of NEETs has risen by more than 110,000 between the end of 2023 and 2024. In October to December 2024 there were 987,000 NEETs. This included 392,000 unemployed and 595,000 economically inactive.
