DWP poll: 74% of UK adults back training requirements for young people on out-of-work benefits

The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has published a summary of a poll on public attitudes to ways of tackling the rise in the number of young people who are not in education, employment or training (NEET). The report was updated on 13 November 2026, having first appeared on 18 August 2026.

How the research was carried out

On behalf of the DWP, Ipsos ran an online survey of 2,180 adults aged 16 to 75 across the UK. Fieldwork took place from 31 July to 5 August 2026. The results were weighted by age, gender, region, employment status, social grade and education. They are intended to support the Young People and Work report being prepared under Milburn's direction. The full report is due to be published on 26 November 2026.

Why young people are not working

According to respondents, the main reason for the rise in NEET numbers is limited access to apprenticeships and entry-level jobs (36%). Just over a third pointed to young people lacking motivation (35%), and 32% cited fewer part-time or early work experience opportunities.

Among 16 to 24 year olds, the most common explanations were fewer early work opportunities (48%), limited access to apprenticeships and entry-level jobs (39%), and broader economic conditions such as the cost of living and the job market (38%). Half of all respondents believe young people today have fewer opportunities than previous generations. This view was held by 56% of 16 to 24 year olds and 47% of 55 to 75 year olds.

What respondents would like to see

If the government were to invest more in helping young people find work, half of respondents (50%) said it should prioritise more apprenticeship opportunities. Skills training and education courses came next (45%), followed by more work experience opportunities (42%) and help finding suitable jobs (35%).

The poll also showed clear support for requiring participation in activities that help people find work. As many as 74% of respondents agreed that young people receiving out-of-work benefits should take part in training or further education courses.

Schools and what makes success

When judging how well a school is performing, 89% of respondents said the share of pupils going on to employment, apprenticeships, education or training after leaving should matter. For 51% this is very important, and for 38% it is fairly important.

Asked what determines success, respondents most often pointed to hard work (27%). 22% chose who someone knows or their family background, while 5% each chose luck and talent. The largest group, 36%, said it depends on a roughly equal mixture of these factors.

Caveats

The document presents public opinion rather than new rules. Its findings are meant to inform policy recommendations, but the publication itself does not set out changes to benefits, schooling or other services. The authors also note that views expressed in the report are not necessarily those of the DWP.