The research has been featured in articles and presented at sector events such as the recent Journal of Youth Studies ‘Stop the Clock!’ International Conference at Ulster University. The work is ongoing, with more findings set to be featured in Dr Wrigley’s upcoming book, titled NEET Experienced Young People: Understanding Education, Employment and Training Networks in Uncertain Times (Emerald Publishing, 2026).

The research captures a global perspective on NEET young people, who have become an active topic of policy concern around the world and subject to media debate regarding the rising levels of young people who are unemployed or outside of education. Dr Wrigley’s work is dedicated to highlighting that young people in challenging circumstances are much more than their education, employment or training status.

Dr Liam Wrigley said: “The book urgently situates NEET experienced young people’s narratives beyond economic development debates or education, employment or training trajectories. This is ongoing work, hoping to inform future policy and practice around NEET experienced youth.”

“Policy, media and governments alike need to seriously reconsider their approach when understanding the lives of young people most at risk of exclusion. We need to engage with young people with dignity in how welfare reforms and policy transformations are enacted within their lives.”

Professor Alex Nunn, Dean of Research at Leeds Trinity University, said: “I am delighted that Dr Liam Wrigley is investigating this important and topical issue and look forward to his upcoming book, which will be an important resource going forward. NEET youth should be a focus area for public bodies looking to improve social policy and support young people through uncertain times.

“Social policy is a key area of research at Leeds Trinity University, and it is inspiring to see our experts actively contribute impactful findings on the issues facing our society.”

Dr Wrigley actively implements changes to his teaching that improve access to support for disadvantaged youth and challenges the stigma around NEET young people. Core content on the modules he teaches is informed by this research into how young people are subjected to various discourses and what that means for young people’s outcomes in terms of welfare, justice, education, personal life.

NEET Experienced Young People: Understanding Education, Employment and Training Networks in Uncertain Times will be published by Emerald Publishing in 2026, but the research behind it is ongoing, with practical applications such as workshops planned to further support the key findings.