As part of its broader "Get Britain Working" Campaign, the UK Government has introduced new guidance for local authorities on using Risk of NEET Indicators (RONI). This structured approach aims to identify and support individuals at risk of becoming NEET (Not in Employment, Education, or Training).

ONS estimates suggest that over 900,000 individuals aged 16 to 24 in the UK could be NEET. This leads to lower lifetime earnings, prolonged unemployment, and poorer health outcomes. For society, high NEET rates shrink the labour force, increase welfare dependency, and deepen social inequalities. A 2010 estimate placed the cost of youth disengagement at £56,500 per individual to the public sector and £104,300 to the wider economy. NEET rates also vary significantly across ethnic groups and geographical areas, reflecting deeper structural inequalities.

The new guidance introduces a systematic RONI process. Twice a year, a list of at-risk individuals will be generated using the National Client Caseload Information System (NCCIS) database. This list will be refined by school staff, including Career Leaders and counsellors, who will add to and filter it based on their direct engagement and knowledge of the young people they work with. The guidance suggests that local authorities and educational institutions collaborate to set up structured data sharing practices to enable effective identification and planned interventions to support young people through education, training, or employment transitions. The guidance also recommends that local authorities monitor and evaluate this process continuously so that it can be course-corrected and improved over time. 

Whilst the RONI process provides a strong foundation, several policy issues remain that may impact its delivery and effectiveness: 

• Resources and Training: The guidance places responsibility on local authorities without clarifying funding and resources for additional tasks. Staff may also require training to manage and share data effectively.
• Tracking and Early Intervention: The focus on students from Year 10 and 11 may be too late. Research suggests signals for future risk of being NEET can be observed as early as age five. The Netherlands, with the OECD's lowest NEET rates, starts assigning students to different educational tracks at age 12, while offering opportunity to switch between different tracks based on choice and performance.
• Mental Health: Mental health issues, lack of confidence, and negative workforce experiences contribute to NEET rates. While the NCCIS database includes mental health as a risk factor, long diagnosis waiting lists may cause undiagnosed individuals to be overlooked.
• The NEET Label: While a useful analytical term, young people may find being labelled as “NEET” marginalising or stigmatising. Implementation of the risk of NEET indicators must focus use positive and inclusive language while engaging with NEET youth. 

While this RONI guidance is a key step in reducing NEET rates, further policy refinements and support systems are needed. Policy Connect and the Skills Commission are shortly set to commence work on reducing NEET rates with major partners in the youth employment space. For more information, please contact Dr. Peter Wilson (peter.wilson [at] policyconnect.org.uk).