Neet rates higher in England’s smaller cities and towns than in biggest cities
Initiatives to address youth employment crisis and offer training are being launched in towns such as Telford Smaller cities and towns across England have higher rates of young people not in employment, education or training than the nine largest cities, analysis shows. The Centre for Cities, an independent thinktank dedicated to improving the economies of the UK, used 2021 census data to work…
Youth unemployment rates in smaller English towns and cities surpass those in the country's largest cities, according to a new analysis. The Centre for Cities, an independent think tank, examined 2021 census data from 41 cities and towns, revealing that 10 of the smallest had higher rates of 16- to 24-year-olds not in employment, education, or training (Neet).
The average Neet rate in these smaller locations was 15.7%, compared to 13.9% across the nine largest cities. London and Birmingham have the highest absolute numbers of Neets, with rates of 13.1% and 15.9% respectively. Blackpool and Slough also show elevated Neet rates, at 21.2% and 14.1% respectively. Telford, a Shropshire town, follows with a Neet rate of 15.1%.
Senior analyst Rob Johnson attributes the higher rates to weaker economies in these areas, particularly in the north and Midlands, where larger city economies may struggle. The issue is complex, with factors like the Covid-19 pandemic, mental health challenges, and shifts in the job market contributing to the crisis, which the Centre for Cities warns could lead to a "lost generation" of young adults.
Local initiatives, such as the Skills Shop in Telford, aim to connect young people with education, employers, and mentors to address these high Neet rates.
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