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Youth Unemployment
Supporting unemployed young people
According to data from the Office For National Statistics, May 2025, 923,000 young people are currently not in employment, education or training. That’s approximately 1 in 8 young people.
Many of them have been out of work for over a year, while something like 1 in 5 of those have no formal qualifications.
Over half of those have experienced disruption in their education. Many simply don’t feel there’s any kind of support for them.
A third believe employers aren’t that interested in hiring them. Almost half doubt that they’re going to find a decent job.
If you’re one of these young people, you can be forgiven for feeling anxious, increasingly disaffected and disconnected.
On top of that you’ll be experiencing not just financial hardship but loneliness, boredom and ill health.
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Training & education
At YMCA we break down barriers to educational success and employment opportunities so that people can fulfil their potential and gain meaningful employment.
We help with CV writing, interview skills, self-confidence and motivation, connecting people to local companies for apprenticeship and employment opportunities.
Our goal is for young people to feel motivated to tackle the challenges they face in employment and at home.
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Help getting a job
We know how much of an impact it can have when you’re struggling to get work. We’re here to help. Your local YMCA can help you gain the skills, training and confidence to get a job.
Other organisations that can help
Rise Up’s mission is to help young people, especially those facing barriers to employment, access and succeed in life-changing career-related opportunities.
They do this by coaching and empowering young people with their own independent job search; facilitating jobs, apprenticeships and work experience placements; and hosting workshops and events that engage, upskill and empower.
Youth Employment UK are experts on youth employment and unemployment who are actively tackling youth unemployment by supporting young people with the skills and career support they need to fulfil their potential.
They also support employers to develop and be recognised for their commitment to the Good Youth Employment Standards
Their Skills and Careers Hub provides 11-30-year-olds with free resources, advice and guidance, offering practical tools to support young people through education, transition into employment and beyond in a process of lifelong learning.
The King’s Trust is a UK charity founded by King Charles III to help young people who face barriers such as unemployment or low confidence. It offers free programmes that build skills, provide training, and give young people the support they need to move forward.
To reduce youth unemployment, the Trust runs courses that offer real work experience, connect young people with employers, and develop key job skills. It also supports those who want to start their own businesses. Through mentoring, training, and practical opportunities, the King’s Trust helps young people gain confidence and move into work, education, or training.
We support people to fulfil their potential, creating pathways to both the workplace and further education.
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people engage in YMCA's Training & Education programmes each year
Youth Unemployment Support
If you need help with training & education, please visit our support and advice page
YMCA Help & Advice
Here you’ll find a wealth of advice on matters related to mental health:
Youth Unemployment FAQs
Frequently asked questions relating to youth unemployment:
Youth unemployment happens when young people, usually those aged 16 to 24 in the UK, are looking for work but aren’t able to find a job.
Youth unemployment is a big problem because it hurts young people’s futures and slows down the economy. If it continues, it can cause social problems and waste a lot of talent.
Youth unemployment can seriously affect a young person’s life, leading to stress, low confidence, poorer health, money problems, and lower earnings in the future. It can also make it harder to build a stable career later on.