Britain is confronting a significant crisis of opportunity as new figures reveal nearly one million young people aged 16 to 24 are currently not engaged in education, employment, or training.
Major Review Launched to Tackle Rising Inactivity
The government has commissioned former Labour Health Secretary Alan Milburn to lead a crucial review exploring the root causes behind the escalating number of young people classified as NEETs. The investigation will pay particular attention to the role of mental health conditions and disabilities in preventing young people from entering the workforce or continuing their education.
Milburn, who served as Health Secretary under Tony Blair from 1999 to 2003, has pledged to be uncompromising in his assessment. His findings, expected to be published in the summer, will propose practical measures to prevent young people from becoming trapped in long-term inactivity.
Alarming Statistics Underline the Crisis
The scale of the problem is stark. A separate review led by former John Lewis boss Charlie Mayfield highlighted that young adults aged 16 to 34 are at the heart of an economic inactivity crisis. His report found a disturbing 75% increase—amounting to 190,000 more individuals—in the number of 16- to 34-year-olds with a mental health condition who are economically inactive due to long-term sickness between 2019 and 2024.
This new review by Milburn was announced just four days after the Mayfield findings were made public, indicating the government's urgency in addressing the issue.
Government Pledges Action with "Youth Guarantee"
In response to the growing crisis, Chancellor Rachel Reeves is anticipated to announce funding in the upcoming budget for a new "youth guarantee." This initiative aims to provide guaranteed paid work to every eligible young person who has been claiming Universal Credit for 18 months without being in employment or education.
Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, Pat McFadden, emphasised the severity of the situation, stating: "We cannot afford to lose a generation of young people to a life on benefits, with no work prospects and not enough hope."
The Department for Work and Pensions confirmed that Milburn's review will work in tandem with the ongoing Timms review, which is examining the Personal Independence Payment system. The goal is to create a comprehensive support framework that ensures young people with health conditions are supported to thrive, rather than being sidelined.
