Key facts
- Smaller cities and towns in England have higher Neet rates than major cities.
- 10 smaller cities and towns averaged 15.7% Neet rates, while nine large cities averaged 13.9%.
- London has the highest absolute number of Neets (117,095) with a 13.1% rate.
- Birmingham has 44,995 Neets, a rate of 15.9%.
- Blackpool reported a Neet rate of 21.2%, Slough 14.1%, and Telford 15.1%.
Smaller cities and towns across England are experiencing higher rates of young people not in employment, education, or training (Neet) compared to the country's nine largest cities, according to new analysis by the Centre for Cities thinktank. Using 2021 census data, the study found that 10 of the smaller cities and towns had an average Neet rate of 15.7%, while the nine largest cities had an average of 13.9%.
Nationally, nearly one million young people are Neet. The analysis highlights that areas with weaker economies tend to have higher Neet rates, with proximity to larger cities and the economic weakness of northern and midlands cities contributing factors. However, some productive economies like Slough also show relatively high Neet rates, indicating issues in connecting individuals to the local job market.
In response to high Neet rates in Shropshire, a new youth employment hub called The Skills Shop has opened in Telford's shopping centre. This initiative, a partnership between Telford College and the Department for Work and Pensions, aims to connect young people with education, local employers, and mentors. Participants like George Bate, who is retraining as an HGV driver after struggling to find gaming industry opportunities, and Charlie Pryce, also pursuing HGV training, highlight the need for accessible training and career progression pathways.