By Gary Buckley, CEO Action West London.
The recent revelation on Linkedin based on an article in Bloomberg’s Irina Anghel, that almost 460,000 young men aged 18-24 in the UK are now classified as NEET (Not in Education, Employment, or Training) is a stark reminder of the growing challenges faced by vulnerable communities in our society. This alarming statistic represents a 10-year high, surpassing the NEET rate for women and shining a light on the structural barriers that young men face in finding meaningful employment. The issue is particularly pressing in West London, where Action West London (AWL) has been working tirelessly to support those who are most affected by poverty, inequality, and marginalisation.
The rise in NEET rates, especially among young men, reflects a multifaceted crisis rooted in poor mental health, limited educational achievements, and shrinking job opportunities. For communities that are already disadvantaged, such as those from Black, Asian, and Minority Ethnic (BAME) backgrounds, ex-offenders, and individuals with mental health challenges, the situation is even more dire. These groups face additional hurdles, making their journey toward employment far more difficult and leaving them at the fringes of society.
At AWL, our mission is simple but vital: to reduce poverty through employment and training opportunities. In collaboration with local authorities, such as Ealing Council, and with the support of employers, we are dedicated to helping young people who have been left behind, ensuring they have a pathway to success. This article highlights the growing challenge of NEETs in the UK, the unique struggles of BAME communities and ex-offenders, and the role of employers and councils in driving real change.
The Scale of the Challenge: 460,000 Young Men NEET
The statistics are sobering. As of 2024, nearly 460,000 young men aged 18-24 are neither in education, employment, nor training. This number has steadily risen, with a notable spike following the end of a government trainee program in 2023, which many had relied on as a stepping stone to stable employment. The removal of this support mechanism has left a vacuum, creating a perfect storm of disconnection and uncertainty for many young men who were already struggling to find their footing.
Mental health concerns, in particular, are exacerbating this issue. The pressures faced by young men, including academic underperformance and limited access to well-paying jobs, can lead to feelings of hopelessness, anxiety, and depression. Many of these young men may feel that they have no one to turn to, and without intervention, this can lead to long-term unemployment, poverty, and social isolation.
For young men from BAME backgrounds, the situation is even worse. Systemic racism, combined with socioeconomic disadvantage, has created an environment where young men from these communities are significantly more likely to be unemployed or underemployed. The NEET rate is especially high for young Black men, and this lack of opportunity is both a symptom and a cause of the persistent inequalities that they face.
BAME Communities and Ex-Offenders: Facing an Uphill Battle
In West London, where AWL operates, the communities most affected by the NEET crisis are predominantly from BAME backgrounds, and many young men we work with also have criminal records. Ex-offenders, in particular, find themselves caught in a vicious cycle. Many face immense challenges when attempting to re-enter the workforce after serving time. Stigma and discrimination often lead to employers overlooking them for jobs, even when they are qualified or eager to work. The lack of opportunity only reinforces a sense of alienation and, in some cases, can push these individuals back into criminal activity out of sheer desperation.
For young men from BAME communities, the combination of race-based discrimination and socioeconomic marginalisation compounds these difficulties. In many cases, their families have struggled with generational poverty, and the lack of access to good-quality education or well-paying jobs perpetuates the cycle of disadvantage. The unemployment gap between BAME individuals and their white counterparts persists across the UK, and without targeted interventions, it’s unlikely that this disparity will narrow.
At AWL, we believe that this status quo is unacceptable. Through our anti-poverty focus, we work to break down the barriers preventing young men, particularly from BAME backgrounds and those with criminal records, from achieving economic independence. We provide comprehensive job brokerage services, training programs, and mentorship initiatives that equip these individuals with the skills and confidence they need to enter the job market. But we cannot do this alone. The support of employers, local councils, and community organisations is essential in ensuring that these young men are given a real chance to succeed.
Ealing Council’s Support: A Vital Partnership
We are fortunate to have the strong backing of Ealing Council in our efforts to combat poverty and unemployment. Ealing has been proactive in recognising the importance of supporting marginalised groups, particularly in areas like Acton, Southall, and Hanwell, where poverty and unemployment rates are high. Through funding and collaborative programs, Ealing Council has helped AWL reach some of the most disadvantaged young men in the community, ensuring they have access to life-changing opportunities.
Ealing Council’s commitment to social justice aligns with AWL’s goals, and together, we have worked on a variety of initiatives, including employability workshops, apprenticeship schemes, and support for ex-offenders looking to re-enter the workforce. One of the key aspects of this partnership has been our shared focus on overcoming the barriers faced by BAME communities, recognising that systemic racism and socioeconomic inequalities cannot be tackled without concerted effort.
AWL is incredibly proud of the impact we have had so far, but we know there is much more work to be done. The rising NEET rate demands urgent action, and with the continued support of Ealing Council, we are determined to expand our reach and provide even more young men with the tools they need to build a brighter future.
A Call to Employers: Play Your Part
While AWL and local authorities like Ealing Council are doing everything we can to support young men, BAME individuals, and ex-offenders, we cannot make the impact we want to see without the support of the business community. Employers play a pivotal role in tackling the NEET crisis, and we urge them to consider how they can be part of the solution.
One of the biggest challenges that young men, particularly those with criminal records or from disadvantaged backgrounds, face is the reluctance of employers to take a chance on them. Many companies still hold outdated views about ex-offenders or people from BAME backgrounds, fearing that they might pose a risk to their business or be ill-suited for the job. This kind of thinking not only perpetuates the cycle of poverty and unemployment but also ignores the potential talent and ambition that many of these individuals possess.
At AWL, we have seen firsthand how transformative employment can be. When young men, especially those from marginalised groups, are given the opportunity to work, they thrive. Employment provides them with more than just an income; it gives them a sense of purpose, self-worth, and belonging. It allows them to contribute to society and build a future for themselves and their families. In many cases, a stable job is the key to breaking the cycle of poverty that has held them back for so long.
We encourage employers to think more inclusively when hiring. Consider offering apprenticeships or traineeships specifically aimed at NEET individuals, ex-offenders, and BAME communities. Work with organisations like AWL to develop recruitment strategies that target these groups and provide them with the necessary support to succeed in the workplace. Offering mentorship programs, flexible working arrangements, and ongoing training can make all the difference in helping these young men thrive in their roles.
By supporting AWL and similar organisations, employers can also gain access to a diverse pool of candidates who are eager to work and make a positive impact. In return, businesses benefit from the energy, creativity, and resilience that these individuals bring to the table. Diversity in the workplace is not just a buzzword; it’s a proven driver of innovation, problem-solving, and long-term success.
Building a Brighter Future for All
The NEET crisis in the UK is a pressing issue that cannot be ignored, and it demands a collective response. At AWL, we are proud to stand at the forefront of the fight against poverty, unemployment, and social inequality in West London, but we know that real change can only happen when communities, employers, and governments come together to tackle these challenges head-on.
Young men, particularly those from BAME backgrounds or with criminal records, deserve the same opportunities as everyone else. With the support of Ealing Council and the business community, AWL is committed to helping these individuals overcome the barriers they face, providing them with the tools they need to succeed and build a brighter future for themselves and their families.
We call on employers to join us in this mission. By giving marginalised young men a chance, you are not only transforming their lives but also contributing to a fairer, more inclusive society—one where everyone has the opportunity to thrive.
For more information on how you can support AWL and get involved in our work, visit our website or contact us directly. Together, we can build a future where no one is left behind.
https://actionwestlondon.org.uk/project-category/employment/