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Independent Report into Young People and Work

I am pleased to make a statement today on the Independent Report into Young People and Work I have commissioned, with support from the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care and the Secretary of State for Education. This Report forms part of the Government’s further action to maximise opportunities for young people.

This Government believes in opportunity for all. But too many young people are being denied the opportunity to further their education, skills or careers.

Nearly one million young people - approximately one in eight young people aged 16 to 24 - are not in education, employment or training (NEET). Over a quarter of NEET young people now cite long-term sickness or disability as a barrier to participation compared to just 12% in 2013/14.

This Government has already taken decisive action to address these challenges. We have committed to invest £25 million to double the number of Youth Hubs.

We have launched eight Youth Guarantee trailblazers across England, backed by £90 million, to test new ways of improving coordination and accountability for young people’s opportunities at the local level.

We are developing a Youth Guarantee which will ensure 18 to 21 year olds are earning or learning. As part of that we are increasing skills training including short courses, expanding the number of youth hubs, and standing up a new Jobs Guarantee Scheme to offer paid work for every eligible young person who has been on Universal Credit for 18 months without earning or learning.

For disabled people and those with health conditions we are introducing the Pathways to Work guarantee of work, health and skills support, but we know we must go further.

The Report will examine the drivers behind the rise in NEET rates and economic inactivity among young people including those with health conditions and make recommendations for policy responses aimed at maximising opportunities.

The Report will be authored Right Honourable Alan Milburn, former Secretary of State for Health and Chair of the Social Mobility Commission. He will be supported by a panel of labour market, health and clinical experts which will be announced in due course.

This work will be grounded in evidence, shaped by the voices of young people, and informed by those who work with them every day.

I am determined to build a system that supports young people, not just in finding a job, but to build a better future – because when young people succeed, Britain succeeds.

The Terms of Reference will be published on GOV.UK and placed in the Libraries of both Houses. The Report will share its interim findings with Government in Spring 2026, with final recommendations by Summer 2026.