A growing number of young people say their health is limiting their ability to work – and this sharply rising trend is now driving a surge in those not in education, employment or training, according to new analysis from the Health Foundation.
The charity warns that declining youth health, combined with a weaker labour market, is harming the life chances of hundreds of thousands of young people and threatens long‑term economic growth.
The share of NEET young people reporting a work‑limiting health condition has risen dramatically over the past decade – from 26% in 2015 to 44% in 2025, a 70% increase.
In 2025, mental health conditions and autism accounted for over two‑thirds of NEET young people who said poor health prevented them from working.
Among all young adults aged 16–24, including those in work or education, the proportion reporting a work‑limiting health condition has also grown from 9% to 16% over ten years, a 78% rise. The Health Foundation notes that the trend likely reflects a mix of worsening mental health, better awareness and diagnosis, and more young people seeking support that brings underlying conditions to light.
Previously, increases in reported ill‑health were partially offset by improving employment rates. But in 2025, that buffer disappeared.
Around one in three 16–24‑year‑olds with a work‑limiting health condition are now NEET, compared with one in ten among those without such conditions. Recent ONS data shows that by late 2025, there were 240,000 more NEET young people than in 2021 which is a 33% increase.
The Health Foundation warns that long periods spent out of work or education risk causing lasting damage to health, confidence, earnings potential and future employment prospects. Growing numbers of young people with significant health barriers could therefore face even longer stretches away from the labour market, deepening inequalities and increasing pressure on public finances.
The rising burden of ill‑health among young people is not limited to the NEET population. It forms part of a wider shift in youth wellbeing, with more young people reporting mental health difficulties, neurodevelopmental conditions, and disabilities affecting daily functioning.
The Health Foundation notes that difficulties accessing timely support, for example through schools, colleges or NHS mental health services, also play a role in young people disengaging from work or education.
The charity urges the forthcoming independent review of young people and work, led by Alan Milburn, to put health barriers at the centre of its recommendations.
They argue that government must:
- Provide early intervention to stop young people falling out of education or employment in the first place
- Improve access to health and practical support, including mental health services
- Create supported pathways back into learning and work for those already NEET
- Expand the Government’s Youth Guarantee to fund more paid work and training placements across public and private sectors
Evidence from previous placement schemes shows long‑term benefits for both participants and the taxpayer, helping young people gain a foothold in the labour market and reducing future welfare costs.
Policy and Research Manager for the Healthy Lives Team at the Health Foundation, Sam Atwell, said:
“There’s been a lot of attention on the growing number of young people who are neither learning nor earning. But our analysis shows the problem runs deeper. More NEET young people are reporting health problems, potentially putting this generation at even greater risk of harm to their future opportunities.
“This changing health landscape means yesterday’s solutions might not be enough for today’s young people. If we want young people to have a brighter future, we need a significant shift towards prevention and additional practical and health support for the growing numbers that are reporting barriers to work.”
Without decisive intervention, the charity warns, the UK risks locking a growing number of young people into cycles of unemployment, poverty and worsening health.
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