Milburn report: over 1 million young people in UK not in education, employment or training

The Story

A report commissioned by Alan Milburn, former health secretary, has found that over 1 million young people aged 16-24 in the UK are not in education, employment or training (NEETs). The report warns that without action, numbers will increase, and identifies policy failures across multiple government departments. Milburn called for a new national mission to address the issue, including a new “participation system” where public services work together to encourage employment.

Key Facts

• The report, led by Alan Milburn, focuses on 16-24 year olds not in education, employment or training (NEETs).
• Latest figures record more than 1 million NEETs – one in eight of their age group.
• 60% of NEETs are economically inactive, meaning not looking for work.
• The report warns that numbers will soon grow unless action is taken.
• The UK’s poor track record compared with other countries is described as a policy failure.
• Problems cited include: decline in entry-level jobs in hospitality, leisure and retail; housing inflation; disorienting effect of technology; health-related universal credit claims rising more in areas with fewer jobs.
• Recent educational reforms, such as overly restrictive GCSE combinations, have served less academic pupils poorly.
• The apprenticeship levy introduced under the Conservatives saw starts among young people fall by 35% in a decade, with funds diverted to existing staff.
• The issue straddles government departments: work and pensions, health, education and business.
• The report recommends a new “participation system” whereby public services pull together to encourage work.
• Recommendations are due in the autumn; the report currently concentrates on analysis.

Conflicting Reports

No conflicting reports identified in the source article.

Still Unclear

Specific recommendations from the report, which are due in the autumn. How a new “participation system” would be implemented given the multi-department nature of the issue is not detailed.

Misconceptions

The article states that political attacks on welfare spending and criticisms of “kids these days” are a distraction from the facts about unemployment, rising ill health and inadequate training. It argues that the problem is a policy failure rather than a reflection on young people.

Key Figures

• Alan Milburn, former health secretary, chair of the commission that produced the report.

Sources: The Guardian