Young people not in education, employment or training (NEET): July 2020 to June 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), at end 2020 11.1% of 16 to 18 year olds were NEET (11,300) compared with 11.7% (11,900) at end 2019.

On the Annual Population Survey (APS) basis, for the year ending 2021 Quarter 2, 10.4% of 16 to 18 year olds were estimated to be NEET, compared with 8.4% at the year ending 2020 Quarter 2.

19 to 24 year olds

On the SFR basis, at end 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 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 2021 Quarter 2, 15.0% of 19 to 24 year olds were estimated to be NEET, compared with 16.0% for the year ending 2020 Quarter 2.

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 (NEET) in Wales providers further information.