Young people not in education, employment or training (NEET): 2020

Data in this publication relate to the 2020 calendar year, most of which was during the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. Education, employment and training opportunities during 2020 may have been impacted by the pandemic.

16 to 18 year olds

• Overall, the proportion of 16 to 18 year olds who are NEET had been gradually decreasing between 2011 and 2017, but increased slightly in 2018 and 2019. The size of this increase varies depending on the source used.
• On the statistical first release basis (SFR), at end 2019, 11.1% of 16 to 18 year olds were NEET (11,200) compared with 10.6% (10,800) at end 2018.
• On the Annual Population Survey (APS) basis, for the year ending 2020 Quarter 4, 7.4% of 16 to 18 year olds were estimated to be NEET, compared with 10.2% at the year ending 2019 Quarter 4.

19 to 24 year olds

• On the SFR basis, at end 2019 15.7% of 19 to 24 year olds were NEET (37,400) a decrease compared with 16.0% (38,500) in 2018.
• After the start of the 2008 recession, the proportion of 19 to 24 who were NEET saw a large increase from 17.4% in 2008 to around 22% to 23% between 2009 and 2012. It then decreased 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 2020 Quarter 4, 14.9% of 19 to 24 year olds were estimated to be NEET, compared with 15.6% for the year ending 2019 Quarter 4.

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.