ONS Data Shows Nearly Half of NEET Young People Not on Benefits Hold Degrees

Official figures from the Office for National Statistics show that young people who are NEET but not claiming benefits are more likely to hold degree-level qualifications, report good health, and live with family than those who are receiving benefits.

Nearly half — 47.1 per cent — of young people classed as NEET who are not receiving benefits hold a degree-level qualification or above, according to new analysis posted by the Office for National Statistics. The figures also show that 61.0 per cent of this group reported very good health, and 90.4 per cent live with family, compared with their NEET peers who are on benefits such as Universal Credit.

The ONS posted the breakdown as part of a wider release examining the diversity of circumstances within the UK’s NEET population — those aged 16 to 24 who are not in education, employment or training. In April to June 2026, around 981,000 young people in the UK were NEET, representing about 13.0 per cent of all people in that age group. That figure had peaked at around 1,012,000 — roughly 13.5 per cent — in January to March 2026, the highest level since 2013, before falling back below one million.

Just 7.7 per cent of the non-benefit NEET group live in the least deprived areas, the figures show. But that still points to a population spread well beyond the most disadvantaged communities — and one that benefit-linked support services may not be reaching.

For Kent, the picture is directly relevant. The county contains areas that rank among both the most and least deprived deciles in England on the official Indices of Deprivation. Kent County Council and district councils use ONS NEET data to plan youth employment and skills programmes, typically targeting resource at more deprived neighbourhoods. Yet the ONS analysis suggests there may be young Kent residents — recent graduates living at home in relatively comfortable areas — who are NEET but invisible to benefit-based referral systems.

Young people who are NEET but not on benefits may not realise that some support — careers advice, training schemes, and local employability programmes — is open to all NEET young people, not only those claiming benefits. Kent’s Jobcentre Plus offices and voluntary sector youth organisations offer provision that does not depend on benefit receipt.

Key information

• NEET young people aged 16 to 24 who are not on benefits can still access careers advice, training schemes and employability support — benefit receipt is not always a requirement for eligibility
• Kent County Council youth support services and local Jobcentre Plus offices can provide information on what provision is available regardless of benefit status
• Young people unsure whether they qualify for support should contact their nearest Jobcentre Plus or local council youth service directly to check eligibility