Key Takeaways
- A major review into rising inactivity among Britain’s young people has been launched by former health secretary Alan Milburn
- The review aims to examine the role of mental health issues and disability in young people not in education, employment, or training (Neet)
- A panel of experts, including Charlie Mayfield and Dame Louise Casey, will help draw up recommendations for radical policy solutions
- The review will also consider the impact of socioeconomic factors, such as disadvantaged backgrounds and low qualifications, on the risk of being Neet
- The government has announced funding for paid work placements and apprenticeships to support young people not earning or learning
Introduction to the Review
A major review into the rising number of young people in Britain who are not in education, employment, or training (Neet) has been launched by former health secretary Alan Milburn. The review aims to investigate the causes of this trend and provide recommendations for radical policy solutions to address the issue. Milburn has stated that the review will not shy away from "uncomfortable truths" and will examine the role of mental health issues and disability in contributing to the problem. The review is expected to be comprehensive, with a panel of experts, including the former John Lewis boss Charlie Mayfield, ex-Bank of England chief economist Andy Haldane, and social welfare expert Dame Louise Casey, helping to draw up recommendations.
The Scope of the Problem
The issue of young people not in education, employment, or training is a significant concern in Britain, with nearly 1 million young people affected. This number has been rising for four years, and the proportion of Neets is highest in certain regions, such as the north-east and north-west of England, and the East and West Midlands. The risk of being Neet is more than double for young people from disadvantaged backgrounds and with low qualifications. Milburn has described the situation as a "national outrage" and a "social injustice and economic catastrophe." The review will examine the factors contributing to this trend, including mental health issues, disability, and socioeconomic factors, and will consider the impact of these factors on young people’s opportunities and outcomes.
The Review Process
The review will involve a call for evidence from young people and a wide range of experts, including those in the fields of health, education, and employment. Milburn has stated that a "coalition of the concerned" must mobilize to address the issue and that every young person deserves the opportunity to learn or earn. The review will publish an interim report in the spring, followed by a full report in the summer. The findings are expected to complement another review, led by the welfare minister, Stephen Timms, which is examining the personal independence payment, which covers the extra costs of physical and mental disabilities.
Government Response
The government has announced funding for initiatives aimed at supporting young people not earning or learning, including £820m for paid work placements for 18- to 21-year-olds and thousands of apprenticeships. The work and pensions secretary, Pat McFadden, has stated that the issue is a "crisis we cannot ignore" and that too many young people are being denied the opportunity to reach their full potential. The government’s response to the issue is seen as a positive step, but the review’s findings and recommendations will be crucial in determining the most effective solutions to address the problem.
The Economic and Social Impacts
The economic and social impacts of young people not in education, employment, or training are significant. A young person on benefits can lose out on around £1m in earnings, and the state also incurs a similar cost to support them. The Mayfield review into economic inactivity recently reported on these costs, highlighting the need for effective solutions to address the issue. The review will consider the economic and social impacts of the problem and will examine the potential benefits of investing in initiatives that support young people in education, employment, or training.
Conclusion
The review into rising inactivity among Britain’s young people is a crucial step in addressing a significant social and economic issue. The review’s findings and recommendations will be important in determining the most effective solutions to support young people not earning or learning. With a comprehensive approach, involving a panel of experts and a call for evidence, the review is well-placed to provide a thorough understanding of the issue and to identify radical policy solutions to address it. The government’s response to the issue, including funding for initiatives such as paid work placements and apprenticeships, is a positive step, but the review’s findings will be crucial in determining the most effective way forward.