United Kingdom Youth Unemployment
Youth unemployment (ages 15-24) SL.UEM.1524.ZS
United Kingdom's youth unemployment was 14.65% in 2025, ranked 105th globally. This represents a 2.3% increase from 2024. Data from World Bank, covering 1991–2025.
Overview
United Kingdom's youth unemployment stood at 14.65% in 2025, a rise of +0.33pp from 2024. Based on recent trends, this figure is projected to reach 15.05% by 2026. United Kingdom ranked 105th globally.
Youth unemployment in the United Kingdom stood at 14.65 % in 2025, placing the country 105th in the global ranking according to World Bank data. Over the 35‑year series, the rate has fluctuated modestly, rising from 13.85 % in 1991 to a post‑global‑financial‑crisis peak of 22.11 % in 2012 before falling to a trough of 10.19 % in 2001. The recent level is marginally higher than that of New Zealand (14.36 %) and slightly below Tajikistan (14.59 %), indicating that the United Kingdom remains clustered with middle‑range performers among peer economies. The persistence of a double‑digit youth unemployment rate despite the post‑2008 decline suggests structural frictions in the labour market, such as skill mismatches and regional disparities. If policy measures that enhance vocational training and improve geographic mobility are expanded, the upward pressure on the youth unemployment rate could be mitigated, allowing the United Kingdom to move gradually toward the lower end of the current peer range.
Data & projection
| Year | Youth Unemployment | YoY change | Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2028* trend | 16.50% | - | - |
| 2027* trend | 15.77% | - | - |
| 2026* trend | 15.05% | - | - |
| 2025 | 14.65% | +0.33pp | #105 |
| 2024 | 14.32% | +2.37pp | #102 |
| 2023 | 11.94% | +1.36pp | #88 |
| 2022 | 10.59% | −2.30pp | #78 |
| 2021 | 12.89% | −0.47pp | #83 |
| 2020 | 13.37% | +2.68pp | #77 |
| 2019 | 10.69% | −0.96pp | #78 |
| 2018 | 11.65% | −0.87pp | #85 |
| 2017 | 12.52% | −0.69pp | #87 |
| 2016 | 13.21% | −1.97pp | #90 |
| 2015 | 15.18% | −2.34pp | #96 |
| 2014 | 17.51% | −3.43pp | #105 |
| 2013 | 20.94% | −1.16pp | #121 |
| 2012 | 22.11% | +0.42pp | #124 |
| 2011 | 21.69% | +1.36pp | #125 |
Detected Pattern
Analysis
United Kingdom matched the Export Boom Cycle pattern in 1985. Historically, 71% of countries showing this pattern (546 out of 768) saw youth unemployment improve within 24 months. View full analysis →
Frequently Asked Questions
United Kingdom's youth unemployment was 14.65% in 2025. Ranked 105th globally. This represents a 2.3% increase from the previous year.
United Kingdom's youth unemployment peaked at 22.11% in 2012.
The lowest youth unemployment in United Kingdom was 10.19% in 2001.
United Kingdom ranks 105th globally in youth unemployment as of 2025.
The World Bank indicator code is SL.UEM.1524.ZS. Data sourced from World Bank.
United Kingdom's youth unemployment is projected to reach 15.05% by 2026 based on trend extrapolation.
The youth unemployment of United Kingdom in 2025 was 14.65%. This ranks 105th in the world.
Cite this page
@misc{historysaid_united-kingdom_youth-unemployment,
title = {United Kingdom Youth Unemployment},
url = {https://historysaid.com/united-kingdom/youth-unemployment/},
publisher = {HistorySaid},
year = {2026}
}