Disabled young people in the United Kingdom had a 30.2% NEET rate in the financial year ending 2026, more than three times the rate for peers without disabilities, official figures show. NEET means not in employment, education or training.
The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) published the figures Nov. 4. It reported that 30.2% of disabled people ages 16 to 24 were NEET, compared with 8.6% of non-disabled people in the same age group. The release counted 890,000 NEET people ages 16 to 24, 45.3% of whom were disabled.
The Guardian reported Nov. 5 that a forthcoming review by former Health Secretary Alan Milburn is expected to recommend government-backed jobs for disabled and chronically ill people ages 16 to 24. The recommendations have not been published.
The Guardian’s account describes Denmark-inspired “flexi-jobs,” with hours tailored to workers’ capacity. Some participants could begin with four hours of work a week, with government support supplementing their wages. Other proposals reportedly include dividing some entry-level positions into smaller roles, voluntary hiring goals for large employers, and more internships, placements, job matching, coaching and workplace adjustments. The review is expected to stop short of legally mandated quotas, the outlet reported.
The reported wage support implies public funds would cover at least part of the cost; The Guardian’s account gives no full estimate. The outlet also reported that Milburn has proposed shifting part of the £4 billion spent each year on disability benefits for young people to employment and training support.
Milburn’s May interim report said 84% of surveyed young people who were NEET wanted a job, education or training.
The government’s Oct. 28 Budget speech scheduled the final report for November and said ministers would respond before the end of 2026.
