What interventions aimed at 11-16 year olds in the UK effectively prevent future economic inactivity? A rapid mixed methods systematic review.

Being out of work or education between the ages of 16 and 24 (NEET, not in employment, education or training) can have profound lifelong effects. People who spend time NEET during these years are more likely to experience future unemployment, lower lifetime earnings and poorer long-term health. A long experience of being NEET when young leads to a greater chance of these effects (those NEET for 8 years between 16 and 24 years of age are five and a half times as likely to be NEET and three and a half times as likely to be in poor health at age 51 years compared to those never NEET at this age). However, even a short period of NEET between the ages of 16 and 24 years is associated with some increased risk. These years of economic inactivity and resultant poor health have knock-on effects to family, communities and wider society. Evidence from cohort data highlights several population subgroups who are at a higher risk of being NEET after 16 years of age. Evidence for the effectiveness of interventions aimed at these subgroups is available from international practice and individual UK case studies, and is often aimed at those over 16 years. Emerging research highlights that the risk of NEET after 16 years of age is associated with earlier child development and can be identified at 11 years of age. Given the substantial long-term consequences associated with being NEET, it is essential to establish the effectiveness and meaningfulness of interventions delivered within the UK educational and government systems, and map the components of the interventions, particularly focusing on early preventative approaches before disengagement is established.