Britain's Youth Face 'Lost Generation' Crisis
A senior Labour figure has issued a stark warning to Prime Minister Keir Starmer that Britain's young people risk becoming a 'lost generation' unless urgent action is taken to address the youth unemployment crisis. The alert comes as new analysis reveals nearly half of all jobs lost since Labour took power have affected workers under 25.
Alarming Statistics Reveal Deepening Crisis
Official data from the Office for National Statistics shows unemployment has risen to five per cent in the three months to September, marking the highest level in nearly five years. The situation appears particularly dire for young Britons, with 46% of the 170,000 jobs lost since June last year belonging to those under 25.
Former Labour education secretary David Blunkett delivered the sobering assessment directly to the prime minister, emphasising the urgent need for intervention. "I think we've got to get our act together. It's a lost generation and if we don't do something now the consequences economically, societally and personally will be devastating," Lord Blunkett stated.
NEET Figures Paint Grim Picture
The scale of the challenge is further highlighted by concerning statistics about young people classified as NEETs - not in education, employment or training. Approximately 948,000 young Britons fall into this category, representing about one in eight people aged 18-24.
More worrying still, official figures released this week show 137,000 young people have been unemployed for longer than 12 months - the highest level in a decade. Ministers are reportedly preparing for the possibility that NEET numbers could surge beyond one million when updated statistics are published on Thursday.
Government Response and Political Fallout
Chancellor Rachel Reeves launched a 'youth guarantee' scheme at the Labour Party conference in September, aimed specifically at tackling long-term youth unemployment. The programme will offer jobs to all 18 to 21-year-olds who have been out of work for 18 months, though those refusing positions without reasonable excuse will face benefit sanctions.
Ms Reeves promised "nothing less than the abolition of long-term youth unemployment" when announcing the policy, which is expected to receive funding confirmation in next week's Budget. However, the chancellor faces significant challenges, including scrutiny from markets and politicians as she seeks to address an estimated £30 billion hole in public finances.
Shadow chancellor Mel Stride criticised the approach, stating: "Any lost generation is on the chancellor. You don't get more young people into work by punishing the very businesses that hire them."
