More Than One Million Young People Not in Work or Training

By the Editorial Team · Tuesday, October 13, 2026

Nearly one million young people in the UK are not in education, employment, or training, while companies like Entain provide vital job and apprenticeship opportunities that help young workers advance into management roles. Proposed additional taxes on betting shops threaten to reduce these opportunities, potentially worsening youth unemployment and limiting career development pathways in local communities.

Nearly one million young people in the United Kingdom are currently not engaged in education, employment, or training, highlighting ongoing challenges in youth workforce participation. These individuals seek opportunities to earn income, develop skills, and establish career paths—opportunities that depend heavily on employers willing to provide initial work experiences.

Entain, the operator behind betting brands Ladbrokes and Coral, employs more than 2,500 staff under the age of 25 and hires approximately 650 young workers annually. The company emphasizes that many young hires advance within the organization, with nearly half of their operational managers having joined between the ages of 18 and 24. Currently, 98% of management positions in their shops are filled through internal promotion. Entain also offers 30 apprenticeship programs aimed at helping young employees acquire qualifications and develop professional skills.

Industry representatives stress the importance of these roles not only as jobs but as critical training and career development opportunities. They caution that proposals for additional taxation on betting shops, currently under consideration by government officials including the Chancellor, could threaten these opportunities. Closing betting shops would not only affect businesses but would also reduce available jobs and apprenticeship placements, particularly impacting local communities.

Advocates argue that supporting businesses which create youth employment is essential to reducing the number of young people excluded from the workforce. They contend that policies which make it more difficult for such businesses to operate risk undermining efforts to improve youth employment outcomes. At the same time, there is ongoing political debate about balancing regulatory measures with economic considerations, including the social impact of betting establishments.

The situation highlights the broader challenge facing the UK in addressing youth unemployment and underemployment, underscoring the need for coordinated efforts from policymakers and employers to expand work and training opportunities for young people.

This article was reported by synthesizing coverage from multiple independent news outlets to present a balanced, unbiased account. Read about our editorial standards. Spotted an error? Let us know.