Alan Milburn report says over one million young UK NEETs, calls it moral crisis
The Story
A report by Alan Milburn, former Labour minister, finds that more than one million young people in the UK are not in work, education, or training (NEETs), a number he expects to rise to 1.25 million without change. Milburn describes the situation as a “moral crisis” and says the government needs a “big idea” to address it. The report criticizes institutional neglect since 2010, including loss of youth services and careers support. It states that 1.6 million entry-level jobs have disappeared over 20 years, and apprenticeship starts have fallen 35% in the past decade. Milburn dismisses claims that recent employment policies caused the crisis, calling it structural. The report notes that 84% of surveyed young people want to work or do an apprenticeship. Milburn says for the first time, younger generations are worse off than their parents, calling it a “broken social contract”. The diagnosis is the first part; remedies are promised before the Labour conference.
Key Facts
- Alan Milburn published the first part of a report on the lives and chances of young people after school or college.
- Milburn described the situation as a “moral crisis”.
- There are more than one million young people not in work, education, or training (NEETs), expected to rise to 1.25 million without radical change.
- The report states that 1.6 million first-rung jobs have vanished in the past 20 years.
- Apprenticeship starts have fallen 35% in the past decade.
- 84% of surveyed young people wanted to work or do an apprenticeship; a further 19% wanted to enter education or training.
- 15% have degrees; 30% have five good GCSEs or equivalent.
- Milburn stated that claims about raised employer national insurance, minimum wage increase, and extra working rights causing lack of entry-level jobs are “bullshit”.
- The report says 60% of NEETs have never had a job before.
- Only 64% of young people are happy at school, according to the report.
- Milburn called the situation a “broken social contract” where younger generations are worse off than their parents.
Conflicting Reports
No conflicting reports identified in the source article. This is a single-source opinion piece.
Still Unclear
The article does not specify the remedies Milburn will propose in his next report. It is also unclear whether the Treasury will fund early support measures.
Misconceptions
The article addresses the misconception that working-age benefits are “out of control”, citing Treasury minister Torsten Bell stating the bill is flat as a proportion of GDP. It also addresses the misconception that young people are lazy, noting that 84% want to work or do an apprenticeship.
Key Figures
Alan Milburn – author of the report, former Labour minister; Polly Toynbee – Guardian columnist; Torsten Bell – Treasury minister
Sources: The Guardian
