Young people are not characterized by laziness or being part of a “snowflake generation,” according to Alan Milburn’s significant report on the ‘Neets’ crisis. Dismissing negative stereotypes, the former Blair-era Cabinet minister emphasized that individuals aged 16-24 should not be held accountable for the shortcomings of the state. Research conducted for his review revealed that 84% of Neets, those not engaged in employment, education, or training, expressed a desire for work or training. “I do not subscribe to the narrative of lack of effort, weakness, or a snowflake generation – it just doesn’t resonate with me,” stated Mr. Milburn.
In his 216-page report, he asserted, “I do not agree that mental health issues are mere excuses. Nor do I believe that instructing struggling young people to try harder is the solution. These are misconceptions, at times harsh ones. Young people should not be blamed; it is the institutions that should have offered them opportunities that have failed.” He cautioned that failure to address the crisis could result in a £125 billion blow to the country and economy, exceeding the entire annual education budget in England.
The release of his report coincided with the latest official data showing that the number of ‘Neets’ had soared to its highest level in over 12 years, reaching a staggering 1.01 million from January to March, marking a 55,000 increase. Mr. Milburn, set to unveil a second report on recommendations in the autumn, raised concerns about the diminishing availability of Saturday jobs, the contracting labor market, the prevalence of smartphones, and the impact of the pandemic.
While identifying multiple contributing factors to the escalating numbers, his report highlighted that there is no singular cause for the trend. The former Labour Health Secretary’s report underscored, “It would be convenient to attribute it to one factor: Covid, smartphones, benefits, schools, employers, parents, or even young people themselves. However, the evidence does not support a singular explanation. It indicates a more challenging reality: the institutions designed to support young individuals into adulthood are no longer adequate for the task, a realization the country has been aware of for some time.”
Furthermore, the study revealed that over 61% of young people labeled as ‘Neets’ have never held a job, a stark contrast to the 42% figure two decades ago. It also pointed out that last year’s research identified eight out of the top 10 English local authorities with the highest probability of being ‘Neet’ are situated in the North of England and Midlands, including locations like Knowsley, Middlesbrough, Nottingham, Hartlepool, and Manchester, along with Islington borough in London.
During a press conference in London, Mr. Milburn emphasized that the issue transcends economics, characterizing it as a moral crisis. He emphasized the urgent need for enhanced opportunities for every young individual to learn, work, and secure employment. Acknowledging some government initiatives to address the problem, he stressed that they are insufficient. He also suggested a reassessment of the minimum wage uplift and cautioned against seeking simplistic solutions to complex issues.
Keir Starmer described the report as “sobering,” recognizing the longstanding challenges and the absence of a singular causal factor. He highlighted existing measures, such as providing support to employers hiring unemployed young people for apprenticeships and guaranteeing job opportunities for those out of work for an extended period. Stressing the importance of preventing a lost generation, he pledged to collaborate with Alan Milburn on further necessary actions.
In response, Scott Compton from Action for Children commended the report for acknowledging the systemic barriers that impede young people from accessing employment, education, and training opportunities. Lindsay Judge, the research director at the Resolution Foundation think tank, outlined the fiscal and structural obstacles ahead, emphasizing the need for a comprehensive approach spanning government departments, regional authorities, and adequate funding to reverse the Neets crisis.