A major national review into youth inactivity has warned that the number of young people not in education, employment or training (NEET) could increase significantly in the coming years without urgent, coordinated reform across education, employment, health and support services.
The Young People and Work report, led by former Health Secretary Alan Milburn and published this week, highlights the growing scale and complexity of the challenge, with almost one million young people currently classified as NEET.
As part of the report’s development, Lisa O’Loughlin CBE, Principal and CEO of East Lancashire Learning Group (ELLG), was involved in shaping and informing its findings as a member of the expert panel, ensuring that the voice of further education and frontline delivery was reflected throughout.
Drawing on insights from leaders across education, health, welfare and public policy, the review examines the systemic barriers facing young people and sets out practical recommendations to help more of them progress into education, training and employment.
Among its most significant findings, the report warns that without decisive action, the proportion of young people who are NEET could rise from one in eight to one in six within five years.
It also challenges the misconception that young people do not want to work, finding that 84% of those who are NEET are actively seeking employment, education or training opportunities.
The review emphasises the need for stronger collaboration between services, earlier intervention, and more joined-up support systems to ensure young people can access the help they need at the right time.
Lisa O’Loughlin CBE said:
“Reading the findings of Alan Milburn’s Young People and Work report is truly heartbreaking. Having been involved in the review itself, I have seen first-hand the tireless commitment and best efforts of schools, colleges, local authorities, safeguarding teams, health professionals and wider agencies working every day to support young people. Yet despite that dedication, it is deeply concerning that too many young people are still being let down by a system that, too often, struggles to provide the joined-up support they need at the moment they need it most.
“This review matters because it confronts some difficult truths with honesty and purpose. It recognises the complexity of the challenges facing vulnerable young people whilst setting out clear recommendations that have the potential to drive meaningful, lasting change.
“At East Lancashire Learning Group, we see every day the life-changing difference that trusted relationships, timely intervention and genuinely collaborative support can make. I am incredibly proud to have contributed to this important work and sincerely hope that it becomes a catalyst for stronger partnerships, better joined-up working and, ultimately, better outcomes for the young people who rely on us all to get this right.”
East Lancashire Learning Group (ELLG) supports thousands of young people across East Lancashire each year through education, skills, wellbeing and employability provision, placing a key focus on giving young people the confidence, resilience and ‘soft skills’ needed to enter the world of work.
The report reinforces the critical role that further education, employers and support services can play in tackling youth inactivity – particularly through early engagement, skills development and coordinated support.
As attention turns to its recommendations, organisations across the country are being urged to work together to deliver practical, joined-up solutions that improve outcomes for young people and help them move successfully into education, training and employment.
You can read the full report here: https://www.gov.uk/government/calls-for-evidence/young-people-and-work-report-call-for-evidence
