Young unemployed yearn for a job but gloomy over their chances

It reveals a lack of optimism among Neets – those not in education, employment, or training – with high numbers saying their potential is being wasted and they feel like they are not part of society.

The survey, commissioned by the University and College Union (UCU), also reveals that Neets are spending months out of work and education, with some in this situation for years.

Almost nine in 10 (88 per cent) of the 1,000 Neets questioned said they want to be in work or studying, while 71 per cent said that, with the right help, they could contribute a lot to this country.

The poll shows that many are concerned about their future, with more than half (54 per cent) saying their potential is being wasted, just under half (46 per cent) suggesting that they feel in control of how their life will turn out and two in five (40 per cent) admitting that they feel as if they are not part of society.

Over a third (36 per cent) of the 16 to 24-year-old Neets surveyed said they feel they have no chance of ever getting a job.

More than half (54 per cent) said they had been Neet for a year or more, with 26 per cent saying they had been in this category for over three years.

The survey, which comes days before the latest unemployment figures are due to be published, also reveals the impact that being out of work, education, and training has on young people, with a third (33 per cent) reporting that they have suffered depression, 37 per cent saying they rarely left the house and 39 per cent saying they have felt stressed or anxious.

Nearly half (46 per cent) said that they would like help to boost their confidence to help them find a job or training, and 29 per cent wanted good advice about applying for jobs.

UCU president Simon Renton said: “This report lays bare the deep personal impact that sustained unemployment has on young people. It is truly heartbreaking to see so many people who want to contribute more to society but are left feeling their outlook is desperate and hopeless.

“The individual human tragedy is only part of the story as young people outside education or work cost the country millions of pounds every year. We need to give our young people a commitment of proper guidance and stable, properly rewarded jobs, or educational opportunities.”