Across the North East, there is no shortage of ambition, creativity or determination among young people. However, despite this potential, the region continues to experience some of the highest levels of youth economic inactivity in the country. This is not simply a labour market issue. It is a social and economic challenge that affects individual life chances, community wellbeing and long term regional prosperity. Addressing it requires collective action, sustained commitment and, most importantly, genuine engagement with young people themselves.
At NE Youth, we believe meaningful and lasting change starts with listening. Policies and programmes are most effective when they are shaped by those they are designed to support. By bringing partners together across sectors, we aim to deepen understanding of young people’s experiences and work collaboratively to strengthen routes into employment that are accessible, inclusive and realistic.
The Challenge Facing Young People
The data paints a stark picture for young people aged 18 to 25 across the North East. Economic inactivity among 16 to 24 year olds is estimated to sit between 43.6 per cent and 45.1 per cent, noticeably above the England average of 40.9 per cent. Youth unemployment in the region also remains significantly higher than the national rate, reaching 22.5 per cent.
Behind these figures are thousands of young people navigating complex barriers. Many are categorised as NEET, meaning Not in Education, Employment or Training, and research indicates that over half report never having had a job. For some, this reflects limited access to local opportunities. For others, it is linked to health challenges, caring responsibilities, financial pressures or a lack of clear guidance through education and employment systems that can often feel confusing or fragmented.
The wider context adds further urgency. The North East has the highest rate of economic inactivity among working age adults in the United Kingdom, with 26.3 per cent of people aged 16 to 64 currently outside the labour market. These patterns do not just affect individuals. They shape the region’s economic resilience, productivity and ability to retain talent. Supporting young people into meaningful work is therefore central to both social mobility and sustainable regional growth.
Why Listening to Young People Matters
Statistics can highlight the scale of the issue, but they do not capture the full story. Each percentage point represents a young person with their own aspirations, frustrations and experiences.
Too often, employment support initiatives are developed without fully exploring the practical and emotional realities of seeking work. Young people frequently speak about challenges such as low confidence, limited professional networks, transport costs, unclear recruitment processes and workplaces that do not always feel inclusive or welcoming. Without understanding these lived experiences, even well intentioned interventions can miss the mark.
Listening to young people helps challenge assumptions and ensures that solutions are grounded in reality. It allows organisations to design support that is responsive rather than reactive. It also strengthens local talent pipelines, contributes to more inclusive growth and builds trust between young people, employers and decision makers.
At NE Youth, amplifying youth voice is not an add on to our work. It is a core principle. We are committed to creating safe and meaningful spaces where young people can share their experiences, influence decision making and shape the policies and practices that affect their futures.
Bringing Partners Together to Shape Solutions
In response to these challenges, NE Youth is hosting a regional roundtable, Amplifying Young Voices in Employment. This event will convene employers, VCSE organisations, policymakers and youth representatives to engage in open, solution focused dialogue.
Central to the session will be research gathered and presented by Peer Ambassadors, offering first hand insight into what it is really like for young people seeking and sustaining employment in the region. Their perspectives will provide a foundation for honest discussion, shared learning and practical commitments to action.
The roundtable is designed not simply as a conversation, but as a catalyst for change. By fostering collaboration across sectors, we aim to identify tangible steps that can improve pathways into work and create a more inclusive employment landscape across the North East.
Find out more and register your interest in the roundtable here:
https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/amplifying-young-voices-in-employment-regional-round-table-tickets-1981347269018?utm-campaign=social&utm-content=attendeeshare&utm-medium=discovery&utm-term=listing&utm-source=cp&aff=ebdsshcopyurl
Supporting Opportunity Across the North East
This roundtable forms part of a broader regional response to youth economic inactivity. Alongside initiatives such as the Youth Guarantee Trailblazer programme, which supports young people into employment, education and training, there is growing recognition that coordinated and youth informed action is essential.
NE Youth remains committed to working in partnership across the region to champion youth voice, expand access to opportunity and support positive, sustainable futures for young people. By aligning efforts and sharing learning, we can build a system that better reflects the realities young people face and the potential they hold.
The roundtable is hosted by NE Youth and funded by the North East Combined Authority through the Economically Inactive Trailblazer programme.
Find Out More
For further information about the event, please contact:jessica.wearmouth@neyouth.org.uk
