Youth joblessness linked to rising homelessness, UK charities warn
The Story
Charities have warned that a growing number of young people not in work or education is leading to more unstable housing and homelessness. A government-commissioned review by Alan Milburn projects a 25% rise in young people not in education, employment or training (Neet) to 1.25 million by the early 2030s without intervention. Data cited in the report shows nearly 124,000 young people were homeless or at risk of homelessness in 2024-25, a 6% increase from the previous year.
Key Facts
- The review warns of a 25% rise in Neets to 1.25 million by the early 2030s if no action is taken.
- Almost 124,000 young people were homeless or at risk of homelessness in the UK in 2024-25, up 6% from the prior year and the third consecutive annual increase.
- Youth homelessness rose by more than a third in the north-west, where it is highest.
- The Big Issue reported a 60% increase in vendors aged 18 to 24 since 2022, from 449 to 720.
- The UK youth unemployment rate stands at 14.7%, its highest in over a decade.
- Britain has the third-highest rate among wealthy European countries of 16- to 24-year-olds neither earning nor learning.
- Josh, 23, has applied for hundreds (possibly over a thousand) of jobs in two years while struggling to keep a roof over his head; he lives in supported housing run by Centrepoint.
- Faye, 22, a former care leaver, has spent over a year on the waiting list for social housing despite being high priority, and has struggled to find stable work.
- Lisa Doyle of Centrepoint stated, “There is a huge scarcity of work opportunities for young people at the moment.”
- John Bird, founder of the Big Issue, said young people face mounting cost-of-living pressures and declining employment opportunities.
Conflicting Reports
No conflicting reports identified in the source article.
Still Unclear
The article does not specify what specific government interventions the review recommends or whether any policy response is planned.
Misconceptions
The article includes quotes from charity representatives pushing back against a narrative that young people “can’t be bothered to work,” stating instead that young people cannot create jobs and face intense competition for entry-level positions.
Key Figures
- Alan Milburn, author of the government-commissioned review
- Josh, 23, a young person in supported housing
- Faye, 22, a former care leaver in Centrepoint accommodation
- Lisa Doyle, head of policy and public affairs at Centrepoint
- John Bird, founder of the Big Issue and crossbench peer
Sources: The Guardian
