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number of youth Not in work, employment or training New research has revealed that this number is set to exceed one million for the first time in more than a decade.
New research from the Resolution Foundation shows that the number of so-called “NEETs” has risen by almost 200,000 over the past two years to 940,000. It suggests that the largest increase over the past few decades has been in people who are inactive due to disability or poor health.
Researchers at the influential think tank supported by the Health Foundation found that inactivity due to illness Disability among this group has more than doubled since 2005, now reaching more than one in four.
The report said this trend means the number of young people not in work or training is set to reach one million for the first time since the financial crisis, when it peaked at 1.2 million in 2012.
Government Recently announced the next phase of its ‘Youth Guarantee’ policy, which was promised in its election manifesto. The aim of the scheme is to ensure all young people Either earning or giving them education by combining it with local training employment opportunity.
This will also include a “targeted backstop.” treasure Where a guaranteed payment will be provided to any eligible young person on Universal Credit who has gone without earning or learning for more than 18 months Work,
However, it can also be combined with Benefit approvals or even eligibility have been put on hold It’s completely understandable if the job is turned down.
The government is also consulting on limiting eligibility for this Health-The related element of Universal Credit for those aged 22 and over, and increasing its equivalent for children to 18 rather than 16. This means that only the age group included in the Youth Guarantee policy will not be covered.
James Taylor, executive director of strategy at the disability equality charity Scope, said: “The plans to improve employment support for young people are encouraging, but no details have yet been set out for young disabled people, who face many barriers to getting into work.
“At the same time, the Government is planning to cut Universal Credit health for people under 22. The cost of living is higher if you have a disability, and without this financial support those costs will impact young disabled people even more.
“The government should tackle the real barriers to work, rather than stripping young disabled people of their financial safety net or forcing them into unsuitable jobs.”
In light of the recent increased attention to youth who are not in work, the Resolution Foundation also reports that almost half of this group (44 percent) are not connected to the benefits system at all.
The think tank has urged Government Scaling up your efforts to reduce the numbers by creating a national “front door” for help young people Re-engage with education and training, and expand access to the Youth Guarantee to include 22 to 24-year-olds.
It also recommends that the quality and frequency of performance assessment – which The government intends to end – Increases will be made for youth receiving health benefits.
Lewis Murphy, senior economist at the Resolution Foundation, said: “The number of young people who are neither earning nor learning has risen sharply in recent years and is now close to one million.
“The biggest factor driving this increase is unemployed youth reporting disability Or poor health. It has doubled over the past 20 years and now affects one in four young people deprived of education, employment Or training.
“The government should redouble efforts to reduce the number of NEETs, making it easier for young people to return to school if they leave or get their first work experience.
“Otherwise, we risk a group of young people being stuck in a lifetime of low living standards.”
A government spokesperson said: “Every young person deserves the chance to get ahead. That’s why we’re launching our Youth Guarantee to ensure no one is left behind and expanding mental health services.”
“We are shifting our focus from welfare to work – modernizing job centers and funding programs like Connect to Work so people get the skills to succeed, and businesses can get the workforce they need.
“All of these measures are part of efforts to ensure that everyone has the opportunity to move into good, secure jobs under our transition plan.”