The TUC said the number of 16- to 24-year-olds who were not in education, employment or training (NEET) had risen sharply since the pandemic, to almost a million, and a higher proportion than in the past were inactive, meaning they were not even looking for work.

Separate research by the Learning & Work Institute, published on Wednesday, showed that many young people in this position were falling through the cracks of state support.

TUC general secretary Paul Nowak said: “We know that real experience of paid work is the best way to turn the tide on rising rates of worklessness and that over time this investment will more than pay for itself.”

Both the TUC and L&WI are urging the government to put more money behind its promise of a “Youth Guarantee”, a commitment to ensure that all 18 to 21-year-olds can access education, training or job support.