ERSA and the Education Development Trust are undertaking a research project about young people who are not in education, employment or training (NEET), with a particular emphasis on care experienced young people.
Currently, 12.6% of people aged 18 to 24 are NEET, which amounts of around 675,000 people. Perhaps even more worryingly, the rate has only decreased 2.2 percentage points since the data started being collected in 2002.
For care leavers, the numbers are more concerning with 41% of 19 to 21 year olds not in education, employment and/or training. This combined with their increased likelihood to be involved with the criminal justice system, live in insecure housing/homelessness and have lower levels of mental wellbeing makes them one of the most disadvantaged groups in society.
