IN THE jargon of officialdom, they are known as NEETs - standing for "not in education, employing or training".
Those of us who work hard at our jobs or studies have a different description for this hard-core of teenagers happy to do nothing - wasters.
They survive on benefits financed by the taxes handed over by industrious, responsible people who get out of bed each day to go to work.
It cannot be right that the lazy and feckless get paid for doing nothing – especially at a time when many employers are desperate to recruit staff.
Well done, then, to the government for announcing proposals to tackle this matter with a series of carrots and sticks.
Young people will be required to remain in education or training until they are 18, but more support grants will be available.
Employers will be compelled to offer workplace or college training for young workers.
And, crucially, ministers plan to fine and stop the benefits of teenagers who refuse to cooperate.
We hope these measures succeed in encouraging unmotivated young people to seize the chances that are available to them.
They cannot be allowed to waste their lives – and our taxes.