Alan Milburn has conducted an independent review into the rising number of young people classified as NEET (not in education, employment or training), with his interim findings highlighting growing concern about the scale and impact of the issue across the UK.

Scale of the issue

Milburn reports that nearly one million young people aged 16 to 24 are NEET, around one in eight, and says the figure is rising. He warns that many young people are becoming detached from education and employment, with lost opportunities and delayed transitions into adulthood.

Early worklessness and impact

The review highlights that around 6 in 10 NEET young people have never had a job and many are economically inactive. Milburn warns this can lead to long-term “scarring effects”, including reduced confidence, poorer health, and lower lifetime earnings.

Wider concerns

He also estimates that today’s 24-year-old NEETs could lose up to £300,000 in lifetime earnings. The report suggests the education system is not fully offsetting labour market challenges, with fewer young people entering education or apprenticeships by age 18 than a decade ago.

Milburn argues that the UK lacks a joined-up “participation system” to support young people into education, training, or work. His final report, due in the summer, will set out recommendations for improvement.

The interim report can be found here: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/young-people-and-work-interim-report/young-people-and-work-interim-report