More than one million 16- to 24-year-olds in the UK are not in education, employment or training (Neets), according to a report by a commission led by former health secretary Alan Milburn. The report warns that without action, this number will rise. It criticises political attacks on welfare and young people as distractions from the real issues of unemployment, ill health and inadequate training.
Mr Milburn calls for the government to make this generation a new national mission. He notes that the expansion of higher education was not matched by support for the over 60% of young people who do not go to university. Housing inflation and the decline of entry-level jobs in hospitality, leisure and retail have worsened the situation, with many young people submitting dozens of applications without response.
The report highlights policy failures, including the apprenticeship levy introduced under the Conservatives, which saw funds diverted to existing staff while starts among young people fell by 35% in a decade. Educational reforms, such as restrictive GCSE combinations, have also served less academic pupils poorly. The further education sector has been undermined by chaotic announcements about qualifications.
Mr Milburn's commission recommends a new 'participation system' where public services work together to encourage work. However, the report emphasises that ultimately, young people need jobs. While ministers should make efforts to get them work-ready, there must be work available at the end.
