The number of young people on the Island of Ireland not in education, employment or training (NEETs) has significantly increased over the last number. Similar to the overall unemployment rate, the number of NEETs remains higher in the Republic of Ireland; however the rate for Northern Ireland has risen markedly over since the crisis. The rate for 2011 was 19.2% in Northern Ireland and 23.9% in the Republic.
While Northern Ireland has a comparatively low rate of unemployment compared to the Republic of Ireland. What these statistics show is that, not only are increasing numbers of young people becoming detached from the labour market, but also that they are not getting the training and up-skilling they will need to return to it. Left out, and then left behind.
For more information see the latest edition of the NERI's Quarterly Economic Facts document. Indicator 2.7 shows the rate of change of NEETs.