- An estimated 1.01 million 16 to 24-year-olds in the UK were neither working nor learning between January and March this year, according to the Office for National Statistics ( ONS ).
- This figure represents 13.5 per cent of all 16 to 24-year-olds, an increase from 12.5 per cent recorded a year earlier.
- Of those classified as not in education, employment, or training (NEET), 613,000 were economically inactive, meaning they are of working age but not currently seeking employment.
- A review by Alan Milburn indicates that the UK's youth unemployment crisis costs the country approximately £125 billion annually, more than the country spends on education.
- Mr Milburn's report also highlighted a significant decline in the number of entry-level jobs, noting there are 1.6 million fewer low and medium-skilled positions compared to previous decades.
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