Neet

Early Occupational Aspirations and Fractured Transitions: A Study of Entry into 'NEET'Status in the UK

by Scott Yates

Published in Journal of Social Policy
Co-authored with Angel Harris, Ricardo Sabates and Jeremy Staff

There has been significant recent research and policy interest in issues of young people’s occupational aspirations,... more There has been significant recent research and policy interest in issues of young people’s occupational aspirations, transitions to employment and the antecedents of NEET (not in employment, education or training) status.Many have argued that changes to the youth labour market over the past 30 years have led to transitions to work becoming more individualised, complex and troublesome for many, particularly those from poorer backgrounds. However, little research has examined the connection between early uncertainty or misalignment in occupational aspirations and entry into NEET status. This paper draws on the British Cohort Study to investigate these issues, and finds that young people with uncertain occupational aspirations or ones misaligned with their educational expectations are considerably more likely to become NEET by age 18. Uncertainty and misalignment are both more widespread andmore detrimental for those from poorer backgrounds. These findings are discussed in the context of recent research and debates on emerging adulthood and the youth labour market.

Not so NEET? A critique of the use of 'NEET'in setting targets for interventions with young people

by Scott Yates

Published in Journal of Youth Studies
Co-authored with Malcolm Payne

There is a widespread current perception that being ‘NEET’ (not in employment, education or training) presents a major... more There is a widespread current perception that being ‘NEET’ (not in employment, education or training) presents a major risk for young people of becoming socially excluded. One of the key foci for combating social exclusion thus aims at reducing the numbers of young people who are NEET. This is reflected in the ‘programme theories’ of the Connexions service, whose effectiveness is measured in relation to targets for reducing the numbers of NEET young people. This paper argues, however, that ‘NEET’ is a problematic concept that defines young people by what they are not, and subsumes under a negatively-perceived label a heterogeneous mix of young people whose varied situations and difficulties are not conceptualised. Additionally, research evidence suggests that adherence to NEET-reduction targets encourages a ‘fire-fighting’ approach to working with young people rather than focusing support and intervention on areas where they may be most productive.

Working on the Margins: Japan's Precariat and Working Poor

by Julia Obinger

Emerging insights into NEET preventative work across Tyne and Wear: flexible Curriculum 2 (FCP2) 14-19 Progression and Employability

by Jill Clark

This report was co-authored by Clark J, Thomas U, Cummings C, Briggs ARJ, Hall I in 2008

The final report forms a body of research evidence which: 1. Captures the emerging patterns of targeted NEET... more The final report forms a body of research evidence which: 1. Captures the emerging patterns of targeted NEET preventative provision in each of the five areas of Tyne and Wear and how they have been influenced by FCP and 2. Captures the developing local partnership arrangements to lead, manage and fund this targeted and specialist provision. The final evaluation report offers a set of emerging insights from the FCP2 projects, which can be shared between the local areas. It adopts the following framework: 1. Funding models 2. Staffing models 3. FCP2 and the 14-19 Curriculum 4. Partnerships 5. Benefits and outcomes.