London Youth · 2018
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.