Department for Education data released by children's minister Robert Goodwill reveals that between 2014 and 2017 there were around 600 more 19- to 21-year-old care leavers classed as Neet.
The figures, which were revealed in response to a parliamentary question by Labour MP Ian Austin, show there were 10,870 19- to 21-year-old Neet care leavers at the end of March 2017, compared with 10,250 at the end of March 2014 - a rise of six per cent.
There has also been a 7.5 per cent rise in the number of Neet care leavers aged 17 and 18 since 2016.
While at the end of March 2016 there were 3,060 care leavers in this age range classed as Neet, this had risen to 3,290 by the end of March 2017.
According to looked-after children statistics released last month by the DfE, 31 per cent of 18-year-old care leavers were Neet, compared with 12 per cent of all 18-year-olds.
Children's charity National Youth Advocacy Service (NYAS) is urging more employers to give opportunities to young people leaving care.
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