Former health secretary Alan Milburn has launched a critical review into the escalating number of young people classified as Neets—those not in education, employment, or training. Describing the situation as a "national outrage," Milburn emphasised the need for a "coalition of the concerned" to address this pressing issue. The latest data reveals a troubling increase, with figures rising to 957,000 in the final quarter of last year, highlighting the severe scale of the problem.
Government Initiatives and Gaps in Support
While the government has shown awareness through measures like the "youth guarantee" in the autumn budget, which allocates £820 million for paid work placements targeting 18- to 21-year-olds, experts argue that more comprehensive reforms are essential. The current approach falls short in enabling young adults to thrive, necessitating bold and innovative strategies.
Health and Disability Factors
One significant theme emerging from the review is the rising prevalence of illness and disability among young people, coupled with inadequate work-based support systems. Programmes such as Individual Placement and Support have shown positive results, suggesting a broader rollout could benefit both employers and workers. However, it is crucial not to overstate the role of health issues, as this can lead to misplaced blame on vulnerable individuals.
Between 2019 and 2024, illness-linked benefit claims from young people surged by 24% to 530,000, yet the greater challenge lies in engaging non-claimants. Recommendations include expanding eligibility for the youth guarantee beyond those on benefits and improving work capability assessments to integrate better with workplace support.
Economic and Educational Challenges
Economists are divided on the impact of recent minimum wage increases for younger workers, combined with higher employer national insurance contributions, which may incentivise hiring older employees instead. While higher pay is desirable amid cost-of-living pressures and generational unfairness, the dismaying trend of rising youth unemployment calls for cautious policymaking.
Educational opportunities are equally critical. The Resolution Foundation stresses the need to enforce the school leaving age of 18, as many 16- and 17-year-olds drop out without alternatives. A lack of GCSE grades of 4 or above is a key risk factor for becoming Neet, with disadvantaged pupils failing to achieve any passes rising from 5.1% in 2021 to 7.5% in 2024. Additionally, T-levels have not delivered the anticipated upgrade in vocational learning.
Regional Solutions and Future Outlook
The Social Mobility Commission advocates for regionally differentiated, place-based schemes over a uniform national approach, arguing that "left behind" young people are often overlooked. While the government must provide funding and oversight, local councils and mayoral authorities are better positioned to collaborate with employers.
Although the number of Neets has fluctuated historically, the risks of lifelong marginalisation are too high to ignore. Ministers urgently need a cohesive plan to reverse this trend and ensure young people can flourish in today's economy.
