A new analysis by the Centre for Policy Research on Men and Boys (CPRMB) highlights growing concerns about the status of young men aged 16 to 24 in Britain, as a record number are currently outside education, employment, or training. According to the research, 553,000 young men fall into this category, representing the highest level in 14 years.

The issue is rooted in educational disparities that begin early. Data shows that only 61.6 percent of boys are deemed school-ready compared to 75.3 percent of girls. Furthermore, in 2025, 45,000 fewer young men than young women enrolled in university. These gaps suggest challenges in preparing boys adequately for future job markets.

Economic shifts also play a major role. Traditional male-dominated industries have declined, while knowledge-intensive and service sectors have expanded. However, men have not transitioned into many of the growing occupations, particularly those that have traditionally attracted more women, such as health, education, social care, administration, and literacy services. This dynamic has contributed to the increasing numbers of young men outside the workforce or educational pathways.

John Burn-Murdoch, whose earlier work attributes the decline of the male breadwinner primarily to structural economic changes rather than social movements like feminism, has been cited in the CPRMB report as underscoring the importance of recognizing these economic factors.

In response, CPRMB advocates for a two-pronged policy approach. The group stresses the need to improve educational outcomes for boys and better prepare them for a shifting labor market. Equally important is addressing the cultural and practical obstacles that discourage young men from entering sectors often labeled as female-dominated.

To tackle this, CPRMB has launched a campaign called “This Boy Cares,” aimed at encouraging boys and young men to pursue careers in what it terms the “Heal economy”—professions involved in health, education, and related sectors. The campaign draws a parallel to long-standing efforts that have successfully encouraged girls to embrace science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) fields, suggesting a similar ambition is needed to diversify occupational choices for boys.

Nick Isles, Director of CPRMB, emphasizes that the economic transition should be confronted not merely as an unfortunate consequence of market forces but as a policy challenge requiring targeted interventions to help young men adapt and thrive in the current economy.