On their watch one in eight young people were neither in education, training, or work.

The NEET rate for 16-24 year-olds has hovered around 12-13% in recent years (12.7% in Jul-Sep 2025), i.e. roughly one in eight, consistent with the rate during the previous Conservative government. The 'one in eight' figure is accurate as an order of magnitude.

▸ Office for National Statistics — Young people not in education, employment or training (NEET), UK: November 2025

Checked Wed 1 Jul, 09:58 · Broadcast: PMQs: Prime Minister's Questions - 11 March 2026

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