What can the Dutch teach the UK about how to tackle the youth jobs crisis?
29 May 2026
The Netherlands has the lowest rate of young people not in education, employment or training (‘Neet’) in the EU.
According to official UK statistics, 13.5% of young people are not in work or college. Among 18- to 24-year-olds the share rises to 15.8% – nearly one in six.
In the Netherlands, the figure has been below 5% for well over a decade.
According to official UK statistics, 13.5% of young people are not in work or college. Among 18- to 24-year-olds the share rises to 15.8% – nearly one in six.
In the Netherlands, the figure has been below 5% for well over a decade.