Unemployed or Economically Inactive?

Quote from The Times' website:


Youth unemployment was expected to be high up on the agenda in today’s Budget. Lower-than-forecast numbers of people claiming benefits — 1.6 million — means that the Government has more money to play with. However, behind the headline figures, the situation is dire. The “economically inactive”, people neither employed nor unemployed, stands at a record high of 8.16 million, suggesting that more young people are staying in education rather than face the dole. Unless the economy strengthens, a fresh wave of young unemployed could hit the market and destabilise recovery.


Full article here.


Much is made of those sitting in front of a television screen all day claiming benefits. There around 2 million people currently in higher education in the UK.


Are there really 6 million people who don't work and don't claim benefits and aren't in higher education? I don't see how this could be possible. I'm very confused.