More than a million young people in the UK are now not in work, education or training, according to a new report that describes the situation as a 'moral crisis'.
The figure, compiled by former Labour minister Alan Milburn, is expected to rise to 1.25 million unless there is 'radical change'. The report warns of a 'catastrophic failure' in how the country supports its youth, with a lack of resources, fragmented services and a reluctance among employers to hire young people.
“More than a million young people in the UK are not in work, education or training, a new report warns, describing it as a 'moral crisis' that requires a 'system reset'.”
The BBC has spoken to young people who say they have applied for hundreds of roles without success. One graduate told the BBC: 'I've applied for more than 400 roles. It's demoralising.' Another said they had been forced to take zero-hours contracts to make ends meet.
Milburn's report, commissioned by the government, says the problem is not just about those who are out of work but about a whole generation that has been 'betrayed' by a lack of investment in health, education and pastoral care since 2010. He calls for a 'system reset' rather than 'tinkering'.
The report has been described as a 'Beveridge report for our time', referencing the landmark 1942 report that laid the foundations for the welfare state. Polly Toynbee, writing in The Guardian, said the report should be 'the spine, the purpose' of government policy.
Milburn said the government needs a 'big idea' to address the crisis, warning that young people are being left behind at a time when the economy is changing rapidly. He said the pandemic, cost of living crisis and automation have all made it harder for young people to find stable work.
The government said it is investing in skills and training, including the Kickstart scheme and apprenticeships. But critics say these programmes are not enough to tackle the scale of the problem.
Why this matters to UK readers The crisis affects not just young people but the entire economy. A generation that cannot find work risks long-term scarring, with lower lifetime earnings and higher reliance on benefits. It also means businesses struggle to find the skilled workers they need, holding back growth.
What happens next Milburn's report is expected to be followed by further recommendations. The government has said it will consider the findings, but campaigners are calling for urgent action, including more funding for youth services, better careers advice and incentives for employers to hire young people.
What This Means For You If you are a young person struggling to find work, there is help available. The government's Jobcentre Plus offers support with CVs and job applications. There are also programmes like the Youth Offer, which provides additional help for 16- to 24-year-olds. If you are an employer, consider offering apprenticeships or work experience to help bridge the gap. For parents and carers, encourage young people to explore vocational routes as well as academic ones.