Week 46, 2011: UK Youth Unemployment

Summary: The number of unemployed young people passed the 1 million mark this week for the first time in 25 years.

What does the chart show? Total youth unemployment, shown by the blue line, is the total number of people aged between 16 and 24 (in thousands) who are looking for work and are unable to find it. This includes those in full-time education looking for, but unable to find, part-time work. The red line excludes this last category, showing only those not currently in full-time education (although they may be in part-time education, such as some training schemes - they are not the "NEET" category that is often talked about).

Why is the chart interesting? The last time youth unemployment was more than 1 million was back in 1986, although it is hard to compare exactly as the labour force survey was changed in 1992. It is clearly a very worrying trend that the UK is facing, and one which has been increasing for quite some time (although it rapidly increased during the recent recession). Youth unemployment is in many ways more damaging to the economy than regular unemployment, as it can set the tone for a lifetime of benefit-dependency. The news that it has hit the headline-friendly 1 million mark will undoubtedly put it near the top of the government's priorities, although exactly what they can do to help is unclear.