Young people not in education, employment or training (NEET): 2021

16 to 18 year olds

• There was a small gradual decrease in the proportion of 16 to 18 year olds who were NEET between 2011 and 2017. This proportion then increased between 2017 and 2019 before falling again in 2020. The size of the changes in recent years varies depending on the source used.
• On the statistical first release basis (SFR), during 2020 11.1% of 16 to 18 year olds were NEET (11,300) compared with 11.7% (11,900) during 2019.
• On the Annual Population Survey (APS) basis, for the year ending December 2021, 9.9% of 16 to 18 year olds were estimated to be NEET, compared with 7.9% during the previous year.

19 to 24 year olds

• On the SFR basis, during 2020 15.2% of 19 to 24 year olds were NEET (36,400) a decrease compared with 16.1% (38,900) in 2019.
• After the start of the 2008 recession the proportion of 19 to 24 year olds who were NEET saw a large increase from 17.4% in 2008 to around 22% to 23% from 2009 to 2012, decreasing in each subsequent year up to 2017.  The decrease was driven by increased labour market activity, with participation in education and training remaining fairly stable.
• On the APS basis, for the year ending December 2021, 14.9% of 19 to 24 year olds were estimated to be NEET, compared with 14.6% during the previous year.

Statistical sources

• Statistical first release ‘Participation of young people in education and the labour market’ using education data sources and the Annual Population Survey.
• Annual Population Survey (Office for National Statistics).

It should be noted that each of these sources are estimates. Our guide to understanding the different sources of statistics on young people not in education, employment or training in Wales providers further information.