What is a NEET?

NEET, which stands for Not in Employment, Education, or Training, is a term used in many countries to describe people between the ages of 16 and 24 who have limited prospects in terms of gainful employment, education and training. Those who fall into this category are not necessarily unemployed or in between jobs, but rather have no desire to join the workforce at all, nor take part in any form of training or higher education.

The European Union adopted the NEET concept in the early 2000s as a way of measuring the number of those individuals in the Global Labour Force. They classified those who were not employed, either full-time or part-time, not in any form of formal education, nor involved in any form of training or vocational education, as NEETs.

In some countries – such as the UK and Canada – NEETs form a growing portion of the labour force, with over 40 percent of young adults aged 16–24 classed as NEETs in 2020. The term has also gained some traction in the mental health community, with many believing that the classification is a form of stigmatization for those who are socially marginalized or lack confidence enough to put themselves forward for employment.

Consequences of Being a NEET

Being classified as a NEET can have numerous negative implications, both in the short term and long-term. A NEET’s lack of social interaction with adults and peers, involvement in the labour market, and overall feeling of purpose and belonging, can lead to feelings of alienation, frustration and low self-esteem. This can, in turn, lead to the individual possessing few work-related skills, which can have consequent effects on their future career and social prospects.

Additionally, those classified as NEETs often suffer from poorer mental and physical health due to a lack of physical activity and employment. A study conducted in Norway also suggests that NEETs are also more likely to experience substance misuse, homelessness and involvement in criminal activities.

Addressing NEETs in the Global Labour Force

Governments, charities, and not-for-profits around the world are taking various steps to address the NEET phenomenon. Initiatives such as the Entrepreneursshala programme in India are designed to enable and equip NEETs in rural areas with the necessary skills and mindset to develop entrepreneurial businesses. The British organising charity YoungMinds has developed mental health and well-being programmes with a focus on those excluded from traditional education pathways.

At a governmental policy level, there are two emerging approaches for addressing the NEET issue. One is to provide financial and non-financial incentives to encourage young people to become economically active. This includes measures such as subsidised jobs, tax credits, income support, and other vocational training programmes. The other approach is to provide social services such as counselling, mentoring, and housing support to help NEETs reintegrate into the workforce and/or further their education.

Conclusion

NEETs are an important issue for governments and policy makers, who are increasingly aiming to reduce their numbers within the global labour force. By providing both financial and non-financial incentives, as well as developing social services to those excluded from traditional employment and education pathways, governments and not-for-profits can help NEETs to overcome their challenges and ultimately reach their potential.