As an acronym for young people aged 16 to 24 who are not in employment, education, or training, NEET was coined in 1999 and it has been used in abundance since then. However, it was the 2008 economic crisis which made the term NEET mainstream.

Youngsters have arguably paid the most elevated cost amid the worldwide financial crisis, as highlighted by the rising unemployment and NEET figures. Social stigma, alienation, mental health problems and even an increased risk of mortality come attached with the NEET label.

“There is now a feeling of desperation to incorporate us into the labour market.

But for so many of us, the damage is done. A lot of people I know simply don’t believe that they can ever be employable, or they can have the capacity to make money,” says Priya, a 23-year-old woman from Barking, who formerly identified herself as a NEET. Six months ago, Priya was finally able to break into the labour market after a period of unemployment for almost two years. But she says many of her friends aren’t as lucky as her.

“It’s a terrible vicious circle. Perpetual unemployment brings depression, and depression brings perpetual unemployment,” she adds.

Nevertheless, according to the latest findings of Office for National Statistics, the number of NEETs decreased by 78,000 between September 2013 and 2014.

However, there are still almost a million NEETs in the UK – over half of which isn’t looking for work. Effectively handling this issue is not just a matter of meeting youngsters' yearnings for a better life, but also a need for improving the prosperity of social order.
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