This new report from Barnardo’s explores the obstacles faced by young people and sets out recommendations to help more young people access opportunities to thrive.
Nearly 1 million young people in the UK, around one in eight 16 to 24-year-olds, are not in education, employment or training (NEET) (ONS, 2026). Evidence shows that spending time outside work, education, or training can have lasting consequences, including poorer health, lower earnings, and increased risk of unemployment later in life (UCL, 2026).
While many young people successfully move from school into further education and employment, many others will meet significant barriers that make accessing opportunities more difficult. These barriers can include poor health, special educational needs, and disabilities (SEND), care experience, poverty and housing instability.
Drawing on research with 1,000 young people, discussions with Barnardo’s frontline colleagues, and interviews with employers, this report explores the obstacles young people face when transitioning from education to employment. It also identifies the support needed to help them access opportunities and achieve their goals.