Between April and June 2025, 948,000 young people aged 16 to 24 in the UK were classified as NEET, meaning they were not in education, employment, or training. That’s 12.5% of the youth population, and it’s on the rise. Beneath the statistics lies a deeper story about how social infrastructure, education, and the workplace are failing to connect with young people.
In episode 855 of the HRchat Podcast, I spoke with Sam Squire, CEO of Inspire 2 Ignite CIC, an inspirational former NEET and an all-around amazing human! Sam shared his take on what’s driving the UK’s NEET crisis and what HR pros and business leaders can do to help change the trajectory.
The Fault Lines Behind the Crisis
The factors are complex but interconnected. Cuts to youth provision, gaps in local data, transport barriers in rural areas, and a disconnect between education and employer needs all contribute to the growing challenge.
While government reports and policy frameworks paint the picture at scale, the real impact is local. Sam and his team at Inspire 2 Ignite work directly with young people who’ve fallen out of the system and with employers who want to re-engage them.
Beyond Qualifications: Rethinking Hiring
Sam argues that traditional qualification filters often screen out the very young people businesses need. “A degree doesn’t prove readiness,” he notes. “Experience, confidence, and curiosity do.”
Through short-form work experiences, coaching, and local “learning labs,” Inspire 2 Ignite helps employers tap into early-career talent in ways that align with real business outcomes. These micro-experiences reduce risk, build confidence, and create pathways to apprenticeships or employment.
When Opportunity Meets Support
Sam’s organization has engaged 1000s of young people through initiatives like Curious Clubhouse and Curious About Industry. Their impact stories illustrate the power of trust and opportunity:
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A digital creator who overcame social anxiety to launch a thriving media business.
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A care-experienced young person who used work trials to transition into full-time employment.
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A teen entrepreneur who transformed a 3D printer into a sustainable venture—and a crash course in intellectual property.
These are not anomalies—they’re outcomes that emerge when opportunity and support show up together.
Comparing Notes: Learning from Europe
The UK’s youth unemployment rate remains higher than in countries like the Netherlands, where closer alignment between education and industry creates smoother transitions into work. There, employers are more embedded in early-career development, offering apprenticeships that deliver measurable ROI and community value.
Sam believes the UK can take a page from that playbook. “When employers, educators, and communities co-design pathways,” he says, “we don’t just reduce NEET numbers—we strengthen local economies.”
From Data to Design: The Inspire 2 Ignite Approach
At the core of Inspire 2 Ignite’s work is Young Person Ready, a new data platform that helps employers understand youth trends and tailor opportunities accordingly. It turns community insights into business intelligence—bridging the gap between social good and workforce strategy.
This approach will be showcased at Disrupt Milton Keynes on November 6, 2025, where Sam and his team will host an interactive learning lab to co-create new models of youth engagement with HR leaders, educators, and employers.
Why It Matters for HR
As HR professionals, we have a direct role in shaping equitable access to work. The NEET crisis isn’t a youth issue—it’s a talent pipeline issue, a productivity issue, and a community health issue.
Whether through inclusive apprenticeships, local partnerships, or redesigning entry-level recruitment, employers can be part of the solution. As Sam explains, “If it takes a village to raise a child, it takes a whole city to launch a generation.”