Alan Milburn, a Labour statesman, is preparing to release a report next month addressing the growing issue of young people aged 16 to 24 who are Not in Education, Employment or Training (NEET) in the United Kingdom. This group currently numbers around one million, presenting what Milburn describes as a significant barrier to economic growth and social progress across the country.

The NEET rate is closely linked to regional economic disparities. For example, in North East England, the NEET rate stands at approximately 20 percent, more than double that of the South West. Factors contributing to this include drug use, dysfunctional family environments, and generational unemployment, where entire families have experienced prolonged periods without work. Middlesbrough, a town heavily impacted by the decline of steel and chemical industries, sees about 20 percent of children growing up in households with no employed adults. In the North East, there are six NEETs for every entry-level job vacancy, compared with a national average of three.

Milburn disagrees with the view that the root of the crisis lies primarily in policies from the 1980s and suggests that continuing to focus on such historical factors is unproductive. He also cautions against drawing direct causal links between NEET rates and recent violent events in areas like Teesside, noting that most young people in this category are law-abiding and striving to improve their circumstances. However, he acknowledges that the lack of opportunities and hope can create an environment where gangs, drugs, and violence may take hold.

The recent surge in NEET figures has been driven mostly by young men, with numbers rising by 25,000 over the past year. Milburn expressed concern that this could result in a generation missing key milestones traditionally associated with adulthood, such as homeownership, fatherhood, and the ability to financially support a family. He warned of the potential for increased social disaffection if these issues remain unaddressed. Milburn also emphasized that it would be unfair to stigmatize NEET individuals, pointing out that employment challenges are now affecting even middle-class young people. Graduate job openings have reportedly plummeted, with fewer than 8,400 roles advertised in July 2024 compared to more than 55,000 in July 2017.

The government’s main response to the NEET crisis, the Jobs Guarantee scheme, has faced criticism from Milburn, who doubts its effectiveness in producing significant improvements. He called for a candid discussion on the connections between NEET status and mental health, suggesting that meaningful employment can contribute positively to psychological well-being. Ultimately, Milburn argued that meaningful progress will require acknowledgment that current government policies have increased the costs and risks of employing young people, thereby limiting opportunities for this demographic.