What ARE they doing? Half a million 16-24 year olds not in work or education - and aren't looking for a job

The number has risen 75,000 year on year. The number of young men who were NEET and economically inactive was 280,000 and the corresponding number of young women was 260,000.

The total increase of 75,000 on the year was driven by young men, who saw an increase of 93,000 on the year from April to June 2023, while young women aged 16 to 24 years who were NEET and economically inactive decreased by 18,000 on the year, according to the ONS.

The total of young people who were not in education, employment or training (NEET) in April to June 2024 but actively seeking work, is currently estimated to be 872,000, up from 798,000 in April to June 2023.

When asked the Department of Work and Pensions and the Department of Education failed to give information on what the 540,000 were doing.

Labour's newly installed works and pension secretary Liz Kendall said recently: "Economic inactivity is holding Britain back – it’s bad for people, it’s bad for businesses, and it’s bad for growth.

"It’s not good enough that the UK is the only G7 country with employment not back to pre-pandemic levels."

Leigh Evans, founder of Facts4EU said: "We are seeing a situation where half a million of our young people - who should surely be encouraged, helped and inspired - have simply fallen between the cracks of two government departments?

"Given the numbers involved, this must be worthy of a special investigation by one Government Dept, with solutions proposed as quickly as possible.

"This issue is about young people and it cannot wait."