Youth unemployment statistics

Standard Note: Last updated: Author: Section: SN/EP/5871 13 November 2013 James Mirza-Davies Economic Policy and Statistics

In July to September 2013, 965,000 young people aged 16-24 were unemployed, down 9,000 on the previous quarter but remained a similar level to the previous year. The unemployment rate for those aged 1624 was 21.0%, down 0.4% points compared with the previous quarter but 0.3% points higher than a year ago. The unemployment rate is the proportion of the economically active population who are unemployed. Not in full-time education Excluding people in full-time education, there were 664,000 unemployed 16-24 year olds in July to September 2013, down 13,000 on the previous quarter but up 16,000 on the previous year. The unemployment rate for 16-24 year olds not in full-time education was 19.0%, down 0.7% points on the previous quarter but 0.4% higher lower than a year ago. Long term youth unemployment 282,000 16-24 year olds were unemployed for 12 months or more in July to September 2013, up 7,000 on the previous quarter and 15,000 up on the previous year. 29% of all unemployed 16-24 year olds had been unemployed for over 12 months.

Jul-Sep 2013: Annual change in economic activity, aged 16-24 Thousands, seasonally adjusted 10 0 -10 -20 -30 -40 -50 -60 Employed Unemployed Economically inactive

Jul-Sep 2013: Economic activity, aged 16-24 Thousands, seasonally adjusted 4,000 3,000 2,000 1,000 0 Employed Unemployed Economically inactive 965 3,633 2,614

Not in full-time education

In full-time education

Unemployment rate: aged 16-24 % of economically active, seasonally adjusted 25 20 15 10 5 0 1992 1997 2002 2007 2012

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Men and women 561,000 men aged 16-24 were unemployed in July to September 2013, down 5,000 on the previous quarter. The unemployment rate for men in this age group was 23.3%. There were 403,000 women aged 16-24 unemployed in July to September 2013, down 3,000 on the previous quarter. The unemployment rate for women aged 16-24 was 18.4%. Breakdown by age The unemployment rate for 18-24 year olds is 19.1%. 1.65 million 18-24 year olds were economically inactive (not in work and not looking for work) in July to September 2013, a decrease of 59,000 on the previous quarter and 44,000 lower than in the same period last year. The unemployment rate for 16-17 year olds was 36.2%, down 1.9% points on the previous quarter and up 1.7% on the previous year. For 16-17 year olds the unemployment rate has increased considerably since the early 2000s even though the total number unemployed has remained relatively steady. This is explained by increasing numbers staying in full-time education and so there are less 16-17 year olds who are economically inactive. Jobseekers allowance claimants There were 335,900 people aged 18-24 claiming Jobseekers Allowance in October 2013, down 13,100 on September 2013 and down 97,600 on October 2012. 1
18-24 year olds claiming JSA Thousands, seasonally adjusted 500 400 300 200 100 0 1997 2002 2007 2012 Youth unemployment levels Thousands, seasonally adjusted 1,200 1,000 800 600 400 200 Aged 18-24 Aged 16-17 1997 2002 2007 2012 Aged 16-24

0 1992

Measuring unemployment Two sets of statistics are used to measure unemployment: ILO unemployment the standard international measure, which includes everyone looking for and available for work, whether or not they are claiming Jobseekers Allowance. This is measured using surveys; data for constituencies and local authorities have a time lag and are subject to sampling variation. The claimant count the number of people claiming Jobseekers Allowance. This is the most up to date information and is available for local areas.

These data are for computerised claims only and are seasonally adjusted. 16 and 17 year olds and people in full-time education generally do not receive Jobseekers Allowance, although there are exceptions.