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The government has initiated an independent review to address the increasing levels of youth inactivity. Led by former Labour Health Secretary Alan Milburn, the inquiry will focus on the one in eight young people not in education, employment, or training, known as “Neets”. Work and Pensions Secretary Pat McFadden has labeled this situation as a “crisis of opportunity” that demands immediate attention, especially with the number of Neets rising towards one million.
One of the barriers highlighted by a quarter of young people is long-term sickness or disability, with a corresponding increase in the number claiming health and disability benefits. The review spearheaded by Alan Milburn aims to delve into the reasons behind this surge, seeking ways to reduce the long-term costs of youth inactivity and transition young individuals from benefits to employment. The findings of the review are set to be disclosed next summer.
Prime Minister Keir Starmer has criticized the current welfare system as unsustainable and unjust. However, implementing welfare reforms has proven challenging for the Government, encountering resistance from Labour backbenchers. The Department of Work and Pensions reported a 50% increase over the past five years in the number of young people claiming UC Health and Employment Support Allowance, with a majority attributing mental health issues or neurodevelopmental conditions for their claims.
In response to concerns of over-diagnosis fueling a mental health crisis among young people, Pat McFadden emphasized the importance of a sensitive approach. He stressed the need for a policy response that does not automatically link diagnosis to benefits. Milburn expressed his commitment to conducting an “uncompromising” review, aiming to identify any shortcomings in employment support, education, skills, health, and welfare systems. Urgent action is deemed necessary to prevent a generation of young individuals from being relegated to a life without employment or prospects
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