New research from the University of Liverpool and the University of Manchester, commissioned by the Joseph Rowntree Foundation, reveals a strong link between childhood poverty and the likelihood of young people becoming NEET — meaning not in education, employment, or training — by the ages of 17 or 23. The study, based on the UK Millennium Cohort Study, found that those who grew up in persistent poverty are more than three times as likely to be NEET at 17 and 23 compared to those who did not experience poverty as children. The research also highlights the difficulty of escaping the NEET status once it is established. Over half (56%) of young people who were NEET at 17 and had experienced persistent poverty remained in that position at 23. In contrast, only one in three (33%) of those who had never experienced poverty as a child and were NEET at 17 remained so at 23. This suggests that poverty not only increases the chance of becoming NEET but also makes it harder for individuals to transition out of that status later in life. Dr. Nicholas Adjei, a senior research fellow in public health at the University of Liverpool, emphasized the need for a long-term approach to addressing NEET status. He explained that experiences of poverty accumulate over time, affecting educational outcomes, mental health, and future opportunities. "This shows the need for early, sustained support for young people throughout different stages of their lives, rather than focusing only on short-term responses once they are already struggling," he said. Iain Porter, a senior policy adviser at the Joseph Rowntree Foundation, called for government action to address the root causes of NEET status, particularly the role of poverty. He noted that growing up in poverty can prevent young people from focusing on education and work, as they are preoccupied with basic survival. "To break this cycle, it's essential that the government tackles the root causes of the problem," he said, adding that ensuring young people have access to the essentials of life is key to their success in school and beyond. Professor David Taylor-Robinson, a professor of public health and policy at the University of Liverpool, pointed out that the UK has higher child poverty rates than many other developed countries. He argued that this has long-term consequences, including poorer mental health, lower educational achievement, and greater risk of economic hardship in adulthood. "We cannot seriously address high NEET rates without concerted action on child poverty," he said, highlighting the interconnected nature of poverty and the challenges young people face.