Andy Burnham emphasizes his commitment today to combat the increase in young individuals who are not engaged in work, education, or training. Addressing a significant issue in the UK, the new Prime Minister has underscored the importance of reducing the number of ‘Neets.’
Burnham has pledged to lower the count of young people classified as Neets during his tenure, acknowledging the challenge of specifying a timeline for this goal. The term ‘Neets’ refers to individuals aged 16 to 24 who are neither in education, employment, nor training. Recent statistics indicate a substantial 1.01 million young people fall into this category, representing over 13.5% of the age group, with a 6% increase from the previous quarter.
The escalation in Neets is not a novel occurrence in the UK, as similar trends were observed following the 2007 financial crisis. Despite a subsequent decline in numbers, the figures have been steadily rising post-pandemic. In response to this pressing issue, former Labour Cabinet minister Alan Milburn was tasked by Keir Starmer’s government to investigate the situation in 2025.
Milburn’s report highlighted the potential long-term economic impact of the Neets crisis, cautioning against a staggering £125 billion blow to the economy. He stressed the urgency of addressing the issue to prevent the formation of a “lost generation.” The report also identified various contributing factors to the rise in Neets, attributing the failure to provide opportunities to young people to institutional shortcomings.
The current Prime Minister views the Neets crisis as a top national priority, initiating plans to overhaul the education system. By introducing new technical education pathways for 14-year-olds, Burnham aims to offer viable alternatives to traditional academic routes. Aligning with regional leaders and mayors, this strategy seeks to bridge the gap between education and local job market demands, ultimately aiming to prevent future generations from becoming Neets.
Additionally, the government plans to provide increased financial support through a bursary for households on Universal Credit, enabling teenagers to pursue apprenticeships without financial constraints. By involving employers in designing training programs and emphasizing regional collaboration, the government aims to create a sustainable solution to curb the Neets crisis. The success of these initiatives will be crucial in determining the government’s commitment to addressing the issue and supporting young individuals in the UK.