A new independent investigation by the department of work and pensions was announced looking into the increasing volumes of young people not in any form of education, employment or training (NEET).

The focus will be why young people are not progressing to work or higher education and how mental health or disabilities have caused the increase in numbers. 

Pat McFadden, Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, said: “We cannot afford to lose a generation of young people to a life on benefits, with no work prospects and not enough hope.”

According to a government press release, over 25% of NEET young people report long term sicknesses and/or disabilities as the reasons they are unable to work or progress in education, compared to 12% in 2013/14. 

Whilst statistics from the Sir Charlie Mayfeild’s ‘Keep Britain Working’ review found a 76% increase in 16-34 year old with mental health conditions who are not in work since 2019. 

The investigation will focus on the cause of youth inactivity with interim findings released in spring 2026 by the former Labour health secretary Alan Milburn. 

Findings from the investigation will go on to influence current and upcoming policies and changes in areas such as skills, health, welfare and employment support. 

Additionally, in the budget, the chancellor set out ways to alleviate the cost of living and poor productivity impact on young people. 

Some of the proposed forms include, investing £25 million to double the number of youth hubs, expand foundation apprenticeships in critical sectors and improving mental health services with access to professionals in schools. 

They are also pledging £90 million to go to eight regions with ‘Youth Guarantee trailblazers’, a pilot scheme aimed at 18-21 year olds to access education, training and employment opportunities. 

Katie Williamson, head of community programmes at Support Dogs, a charity that provides dogs to those with autism and disabilities, said: “We are passionate about making the world accessible for people with long term medical conditions.

“Our dogs help break down physical and mental barriers from giving a child the confidence to leave their home or enabling people with physical disabilities to access the workplace.”

The review also aims to produce actionable steps to help young people to access work and education and to start to tackle rising poor mental health.

The full report and its findings will be available in the summertime of 2026.