Employment, skills and economic security
Hidden in Plain Sight: Young Londoners Unemployed Yet Unsupported
London Youth · 2018
About this report
This report investigates young Londoners aged 18–25 who are out of work, not in education or training, and not claiming benefits — a group termed 'hidden' within NEET statistics. Drawing on programme data, workshops, interviews, and economic analysis, the research finds that hidden young people are a highly diverse group whose situations are shaped by poor careers advice, complex family circumstances, stigma around benefits, precarious work, and mental health challenges. The report estimates there are around 480,000 hidden young people in the UK annually, and that supporting them into sustained employment could return up to £460 million per year to the Exchequer. Six recommendations are made covering data transparency, access to statutory support, specialist funding, careers guidance, family involvement, and holistic employability provision.
Research details
- Methodology
- SurveyInterviewFocus groupSecondary analysisMixed methods
- Sample size
- 2,048
- Sample
- Young Londoners aged 18–25 who were out of work and not claiming benefits ('hidden'), drawn from Talent Match London programme participants; also youth support workers interviewed separately.
- Who it's about
- NEET (not in education, employment or training)
- Place
- London
- Youth involvement
- No youth involvement
- Funder
- Big Lottery Fund