Former Labour health secretary Alan Milburn has warned that the crisis of more than a million young people not in education, employment, or training (Neet) has "no easy solutions," as new data shows the figure has reached 1.01 million for the first time since 2013. The interim report, commissioned by the government, estimates the crisis costs the UK around £125 billion annually, surpassing education spending in England.
System Failure Blamed
Mr Milburn, who served under Tony Blair, described the situation as a "whole system failure" that has left nearly one in seven 16- to 24-year-olds disconnected from work or learning. He warned that without urgent change, the number could rise to one in six by 2031, representing 1.25 million young people. "This is more than an economic crisis; it is a moral one," he said at a press conference in London.
No Link to Migration
Mr Milburn insisted there is "no evidence" linking migration to youth joblessness, calling immigration a "blame game issue." He suggested that an expected fall in net migration could present an opportunity for businesses to hire young Britons facing a shortage of skilled labour.
Defence of Government Policy
When asked about the government's increase in national insurance contributions and the higher national minimum wage, Mr Milburn defended Chancellor Rachel Reeves, arguing these are not the root cause. "There are no easy solutions," he stressed. "If we keep going on about what Rachel did or didn't do, everything in the garden would be lovely? Come on."
Multiple Causes Identified
The report cites factors including the pandemic, smartphones, lack of work readiness, and a narrowing of routes into employment, such as the decline of Saturday jobs and apprenticeships. While warning against blaming young people, it acknowledges that "effort matters" and "habits matter." However, Mr Milburn added, "It is dishonest to pretend that individual effort alone can overcome systems that are badly designed."
Young People Want to Work
Research found that 84% of Neets surveyed want a job or training. Mr Milburn rejected the "snowflake generation" stereotype, saying rejection has become "part of the youth economy." His message to young people: "Don't give up."
Government Response
Work and Pensions Secretary Pat McFadden described the Neet figures as "stark" and highlighted government action, including a Youth Jobs Grant, more apprenticeships, and subsidised employment to create 500,000 opportunities. The final Milburn report, with recommendations for fundamental reform, is due in autumn.
