UK Youth Unemployment Crisis Deepens Amidst New Job Plans
Government to unveil sector-specific 'jobs plans' as nearly one million young people remain out of education or work.
Sarah Connor
Nearly one million young people in the UK were not in education, employment, or training between April and June.
These plans target vital sectors, beginning with professional services and construction. The initiative aims to forge clear pathways into training and employment for young people.
In a direct response, accountancy, legal services, and consultancy firms committed to creating 22,400 apprenticeships annually for under-25s. Construction firms will also provide 40,000 placements for young people.
Alan Milburn, a prominent voice on social mobility, prepares to release a report calling for more integrated employment, mental health, and benefits support. Milburn stated, "We've got to have a different conversation about the welfare system, it just isn't working for young people."
We've got to have a different conversation about the welfare system, it just isn't working for young people.
Milburn claimed the government spends 25 times more on benefits for young people than on initiatives to get them into work. He argued, "We need to redistribute money from the welfare system to more employment support if we are going to end the NEET crisis."
Andy Burnham confirmed a review of young people and work will be published next month. Burnham claimed the government faces an 'economic catastrophe and moral failure' due to the high number of young people not in education, employment, or training.
Burnham asserted that the current welfare system provides assessment and payment but often lacks crucial support, skills offers, or job opportunities for young people. He warned, "We face a choice. We either invest in the success of our young people or pay for failure through the benefits system. We cannot afford to do both."
Pat McFadden, speaking on the new commitments, said, "Too many young people have been locked out of opportunities for too long. These commitments will help change that by creating clear pathways into apprenticeships, training, and good jobs." He added that it is "encouraging to see even more industries backing young people with new opportunities."
Julia Lopez claimed Labour's policies have been "a disaster for youth jobs." She asserted that Labour's tax hikes and red tape have made it harder for businesses to hire, invest, and grow, thereby destroying opportunities for young people looking to take their first step on the career ladder. Lopez further claimed that after increasing costs on employers and burdening firms with more red tape, Labour are now trying to paper over the cracks.