Labour market dashboard
Youth employment data for the UK, updated monthly, with our read on what it means for employers.
Our take · August 2026
Latest figures from the Office for National Statistics show that in the period April to June 2026, 981,000 young people were NEET – that’s 13.0% of 16-24 year olds in the UK. This is up by 0.2 % (30,000) from the same period in 2025 but down by 0.5% (30,000) from the previous quarter. It’s worth noting that NEET figures have consistently risen year on year since 2021, regardless of in-year fluctuations.
- ● The unemployment rate for 16-24 year olds currently sits at 16.4%, a slight increase from last month and over 3 time more than the UK average of 4.9%.
- ● Vacancies are at a 12 year low (not counting pandemic levels) with a further decrease of 8,000 than the previous quarter.
- ● The rate of economic inactivity for 16-24 year olds (not working or looking for work) is 39.4%. This is mostly full-time students which is why this figure is higher than the unemployed figure.
The headline numbers
Each figure says what it counts, because they are not measuring the same group.
The percentage of all young people in the UK who were NEET in April-June 2026 was 13.0%; this proportion was up by 0.2 % (30,000) from April-June 2025 but down by 0.5% (30,000) from the previous quarter.
April to Jun 2026
Share of 16 to 24 year olds in the labour force who are out of work and actively looking. The all age rate is 4.9%.
May to Jul 26
The headcount behind the rate above. Out of work, available, and looking in the last four weeks.
May to Jul 26
16-24 year olds not working and not looking, a rate of 39.4%. Mostly full time students, which is why this number dwarfs the others.
May to Jul 26
Claiming unemployment related benefits and required to look for work. Covers 16 to 29, a wider age group than the figures above.
August 2026
All ages, all sectors. Down 1.1% (8,000) on the quarter and down 10.9% (86,000) on where it stood before the pandemic.
Jun-Aug
Where it is hitting hardest
Claimant count by region, aged 16 to 29, August 2026.
| Region | Aged 18–24 | Aged 25–29 | Total | Change on month |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| London | 53,635 | 42,295 | 96,090 | +790 |
| North West | 43,750 | 25,310 | 69,420 | +1,445 |
| West Midlands | 44,115 | 24,900 | 69,335 | +1,570 |
| South East | 35,655 | 20,760 | 56,685 | +810 |
| Yorkshire and the Humber | 33,060 | 17,340 | 50,740 | +1,200 |
| East | 26,550 | 14,750 | 41,540 | |
| Scotland | 23,230 | 14,275 | 38,405 | +1,000 |
| East Midlands | 24,065 | 12,925 | 37,165 | +930 |
| South West | 19,865 | 10,960 | 31,070 | +455 |
| Wales | 15,225 | 8,065 | 23,580 | +700 |
| North East | 14,715 | 7,565 | 22,435 | +590 |
| Northern Ireland | 6,010 | 4,080 | 10,155 | +320 |
| United Kingdom | 339,875 | 203,225 | 546,620 | +10,650 |
Scroll the table sideways to see every column.
Ages 16 to 17 are counted in the total but not shown separately. The claimant count rose in every region this month.
Twelve month trend
Claimant count, aged 16 to 29, United Kingdom.
| Month | Claimant count |
|---|---|
| Dec 25 | 525,610 |
| Jan 26 | 526,695 |
| Feb 26 | 542,490 |
| Mar 26 | 547,670 |
| Apr 26 | 543,865 |
| May 26 | 538,485 |
| Jun 26 | 534,205 |
| Jul 26 | 535,970 |
| Aug 26 | 546,620 |