Unemployment
Two big areas we see in society: young people and people over 50.
Youth unemployment
Unemployed 16–24-year-olds
| Category | Value |
|---|---|
| Jun–Aug 2025 | 661,000 (14.6%) |
| Jun–Aug 2026 | 715,000 (15.6%) |
Source: ONS Labour Force Survey, via House of Commons Library, Youth unemployment statistics (20 Oct 2026). House of Commons Library (opens in a new tab) · ONS, UK labour market: October 2026 (opens in a new tab)
16–24-year-olds not in education, employment or training (NEET)
| Category | Value |
|---|---|
| Oct–Dec 2025 | 957,000 |
| Apr–Jun 2026 | 981,000 |
In between, the number passed 1 million in Jan–Mar 2026 for the first time since 2013.
Sources: ONS, NEET UK: February 2026 (Oct–Dec 2025) (opens in a new tab) · ONS, NEET UK: August 2026 (Apr–Jun 2026) (opens in a new tab) · House of Commons Library (opens in a new tab)
Concerns people have
- 81% of UK and Irish jobseekers were rejected without speaking to anyone at the company. (Greenhouse 2026 (opens in a new tab))
- 59% of young people worry about AI's impact on job security; 73% feel anxious about their future careers. (King's Trust Youth Index 2026 (opens in a new tab))
- 56% worry they lack the skills, experience or qualifications employers want. (King's Trust Youth Index 2025 (opens in a new tab))
Over-50s unemployment
918,000
people aged 50 to state pension age wanted work or were looking for it (Oct–Dec 2025). Up 22% in two years – the highest since 2020.
Source: Centre for Ageing Better, The NETER employment crisis (opens in a new tab)
Why people aged 50 to state pension age are out of work (and not retired)
| Category | Value |
|---|---|
| Long-term illness or disability | 55% |
| Caring responsibilities | 17% |
| Other economic inactivity | 16% |
| Unemployed | 11% |
Figures are shares of people aged 50 to state pension age not in employment, education, training or retirement (NETER), 2025. Source: Centre for Ageing Better, The NETER employment crisis (7 Sep 2026) (opens in a new tab) · NETER: a new labour market measure (PDF) (opens in a new tab)
Concerns people have
- 69% of 50–66-year-olds feel older age is a disadvantage in the job market. (Centre for Ageing Better (opens in a new tab))
- 44% of disabled 50–66-year-olds say they were treated negatively when applying for jobs, vs 25% of non-disabled peers. (Centre for Ageing Better (opens in a new tab))
- Applications rejected by software in minutes, with no feedback. (As heard on BBC Radio 5 Live)
What PitchID will do
- Put the person before the keyword filter: a QR code on your CV opens a short video of you.
- Guided prompts, recorded at your own pace – re-record as often as you like.
- Recruiters meet you before they decide.