The number of young people, who neither work nor study, has halved in 10 years in Portugal. The conclusion is from Randstad, which analysed statistical data from the National Statistics Institute (INE), the National Public Employment Service (IEFP), and Social Security, relating to the month of July 2024.

"According to INE data, the number of young people, between 16 and 34 years old, who are neither employed nor enrolled in education or training establishments, classified as NEET ('Not in Education, Employment, or Training'), has fallen drastically in the last ten years in Portugal", reads a statement sent to newsrooms.

This year, there are a total of 188,400 'neither-nor' young people, a "significant decrease of 46% over 10 years". Compared to last year, "there was an additional drop of 1.1%, translating into 2,000 young people".

According to the note, Portugal has a rate of 'neither-nor' young people below the European average, which is 11%, standing at 9%.

"Of these, 53% are unemployed and 47% are inactive, that is, they are not looking for work. The majority of these young people are over 25 years old (58%) and 53% are women", it reads.

The study also concluded that 84% of the 'neither-nor' young people have not completed higher education and 39% have only basic education.

The majority of young people who neither work nor study are concentrated in the North (37%) and in the Lisbon region (18%).