The sharp decline in traditional Saturday jobs and paper rounds is creating a 'lost generation' of young people ill-equipped for the world of work, a former Labour cabinet minister has warned.
The Vanishing Rite of Passage
Alan Milburn, who is leading a major government review into youth unemployment, said the near-extinction of the weekend job for teenagers represents a damaging loss of a crucial rite of passage. He argued that these roles, where youngsters worked a few hours weekly, learned basic skills, and earned their own money, were foundational for preparing them for future employment.
Mr Milburn, who served as Health Secretary under Tony Blair, told The Times that previous generations widely benefited from such early work experience. He stated it taught fundamental workplace disciplines, like punctuality, and provided a critical first step into the working world. 'It's too lazy to just blame today's youngsters for not being work ready,' he added.
Alarming Statistics and a Radical Review
The scale of the problem is stark. Official figures show that fewer than one in five 16 to 17-year-olds are now in work, compared to half at the start of the century. In total, nearly one million young people aged 16 to 24 are classified as NEETs – not in education, employment, or training. Shockingly, three in five of these are not actively seeking work.
Milburn's review, due to report in the spring, is considering sweeping reforms to the benefits system for young people to incentivise work or training. A key model under examination is the Australian 'Youth Allowance' system, where payments to 16-22 year olds are contingent on proof of job-seeking, full-time study, or an apprenticeship.
The review may also recommend a UK version of an Australian-style fund to support paid work placements of up to six months, coupled with intensive, tailored support like mentoring. Government sources suggest new measures could include a personal 'pot of money' for young people to access work opportunities, with future benefits dependent on engaging with training or apprenticeships.
Broader Challenges and Controversial Solutions
Milburn identified multiple factors behind the crisis, including the rising minimum wage for young people – which some economists argue deters hiring – and an increase in young people being diagnosed with poor mental health and neurodivergence, leading to benefit claims.
His findings could prove controversial. Proposals may involve removing some health benefits from under-22s and reinvesting the savings into wage subsidies. Ministers are already devising a 'Youth Guarantee Scheme' for 18-21 year olds who have been out of work or study for 18 months, offering a choice of a paid placement, training, or apprenticeship, with benefits reduced for non-engagement.
The former John Lewis boss Sir Charlie Mayfield's recent report highlighted that the UK lags far behind Northern European nations in youth employment. It also warned that a 22-year-old dropping out of work could cost the state over £1 million in lifetime welfare, lost taxes, and NHS costs.
Mr Milburn, supported by a panel of 11 experts including Baroness Casey, vowed to find 'radical solutions'. 'If we are to avoid a lost generation,' he said, 'we have to find new ways of reversing those trends.'
