UK youth unemployment is above the European Union average, but it is not the highest in Europe. Recent data from the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development shows the UK rate for 15 to 24-year-olds reached 15.3% in the third quarter of 2025. Meanwhile, the EU average stood at 15.2%.
Several European countries recorded higher youth unemployment than the UK during the same period. Spain led with 25.2%, followed by Sweden at 24.6%, Italy at 20.9%, France at 19.0%, and Belgium at 17.9%. These figures clearly show that while the UK’s rate is concerning, it does not top the continent.
Conservative shadow education secretary Laura Trott previously claimed that the UK had “the highest rate of youth unemployment in Europe.” She repeated the statement on social media. However, the data contradicts her remarks. It seems likely that Trott intended to highlight the UK’s rate surpassing the EU average, rather than all European countries.
Indeed, her colleagues made more accurate statements. Shadow chancellor Sir Mel Stride correctly noted last week that youth unemployment is “now above the European average.” Similarly, Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch mentioned in Prime Minister’s Questions that UK youth unemployment is “now higher here than in the EU.”
The OECD data shows the UK’s youth unemployment rate only exceeded the EU average for the first time since records began in 2005. In the fourth quarter of 2024, both the UK and EU shared the same rate. In all other quarters, the UK’s rate had been lower.
The fourth-quarter 2025 data for the UK shows the youth unemployment rate increased further to 16.1%. OECD has not yet published the corresponding EU average or individual country rates for that period. Analysts warn that monitoring trends in UK youth unemployment remains critical for economic planning and policy development.
Policymakers continue to examine the causes of high youth unemployment, including limited job opportunities, skills gaps, and regional disparities. Efforts to address these challenges may focus on apprenticeships, vocational training, and investment in local economies.
Overall, UK youth unemployment is a growing concern but remains lower than rates in Spain, Sweden, Italy, France, and Belgium. Accurate reporting helps ensure policymakers target solutions effectively.
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