Young women with low qualifications from poorer backgrounds are more at risk of being out of work or education than their male counterparts, according to new research published today.   

The study examines factors such as poverty, ethnic background, gender, qualifications and where young people live, to see what makes someone more likely to be out of work or education. It also examines how these factors interact to create multiple barriers for certain young people. 

The findings of the Youth Jobs Gap study buck a more general trend where young men are more likely to be neither earning nor learning. The authors say that young women with fewer than five GCSE passes are more at risk than their male counterparts if they also come from a poorer household (they qualify for free school meals).

These young women are 132% more likely, while their male peers are at 130% more likely than average.

Impetus, the charity which published the report, says its analysis underlines the importance of qualifications. Although they’re not the only factor, they’re the “biggest protective factor” for young people trying to get a job or onto a course after school.  

Young people with fewer than five GCSEs are 75% more likely to be jobless and not in education than average. And if they also come from a poorer background, they’re around 130% more likely than the average. 

Around 1 in 7 people aged 16-24 – nearly 1 million young people – in the UK are currently classed as “not in education, employment or training” (NEET). The latest quarterly figures, for the start of 2025, are due to be released later this week and are expected to top 1 million. 

The Impetus study also shines a spotlight on the areas of England where a young person is most likely to be NEET. Generally, those are in the North of England and the Midlands. NEET rates are currently highest in the North East of England.  

But the report also concludes that the fate of young people with multiple barriers to jobs or education is not inevitable – with the right, tailored support, they can succeed and thrive. 

Resurgo’s Spear Programme, which helps young people trying to get into work or education, is spotlighted as an intervention that really works. 

Resurgo’s chief executive, Iona Ledwidge, said: 

“I very much welcome the findings of the Youth Jobs Gap report launched today. The more we understand the barriers young people face to employment or education and where the highest need is, the more we can direct our support to make the biggest impact.  

“Since we started running the Spear Programme, we have worked with over 10,500 young people facing barriers to work. Of these, we have seen 75% move into education, employment, or training and remain there a year later; evidence that we know our approach works.  

“Last year, we opened two new centres – one in Hastings and another in Gateshead. This year, we are launching two more, in St Helen’s and York. We have ambitious plans to continue expanding, helping more young people into work or education – and we’re committed to walking with each trainee every step of the way.”  

You can find out more about Spear, or apply to join the Spear Programme on a course near you here where you can also read the stories of young people who’ve got onto the career ladder even after facing huge barriers to work.