Portsmouth youth unemployment concerns grow as new jobs partnership announced
Portsmouth has the Solent’s highest NEET rate, amid efforts to create jobs.
A new government partnership could open doors for Portsmouth’s young people, amid growing concerns over youth unemployment and a rising NEET rate.
Young people in Portsmouth could benefit from a government partnership with UKHospitality aimed at tackling youth unemployment.
Stephen Morgan, MP for Portsmouth South, recently welcomed the partnership, which aims to create 100,000 new jobs across the UK.
Major employers, including McDonald’s, Nando’s and Fuller’s, will provide job, work experience and training opportunities for 18 to 24-year-olds not in education, employment or training (NEET).
Mr Morgan said: “A young person’s first job can be life changing, with the ability to kick-start a career, build confidence and provide valuable experience. I am delighted that this new partnership will create opportunities for those who need them within our city.
“In recent years, Portsmouth has seen a rise in young people who are out of work and not in education or training, along with the rest of the UK. The longer this situation continues, the longer these individuals are held back and unable to progress in life.
“Labour has a plan to get Britain working, and as part of this we will ensure that no young person is left behind. This unfortunate rise is one of the most important issues of our time, and I back the Government’s mission to give hope back to our young people by addressing it.”
The announcement comes a month after the Government announced a similar scheme with the retail sector, aiming to create a further 100,000 jobs by the end of the Parliament.
National statistics show that between May and July this year, more than 750,000 people aged 16 to 24 were unemployed, 109,000 more than in the same period the previous year.
During the same period, around 3.82m young people were in employment, a reduction of 36,000 compared with the previous year.
The number of economically inactive young people rose by 33,000 to 2.97m.
In Portsmouth, the NEET rate stands at six per cent, the highest in the Solent region.
Consultations carried out by Portsmouth Youth Cabinet in 2024 revealed that 91 per cent of young people had been in paid employment, while 67 per cent had wanted a part-time job but were unable to find one.
A Portsmouth City Council report found that, in 2025, “the proportion of 16–18 year olds who were NEET or whose activity was unknown increased from 6 to 7.1 per cent”.
The report described this as an “upward trend seen since 2022 and represents the highest figure recorded during the strategy period”. It also stated that “youth participation outcomes have worsened and represent a significant area for concern”.