'Urgent action' needed to boost career opportunities for young people

01 Jun 2026

A new report has warned that one in six young people will not be in education, employment or training within five years if 'urgent action' is not taken.

Dubbed the Milburn Report after its author, Alan Milburn, the report warned that the UK's education, health and welfare systems are 'no longer fit for purpose' in regard to preparing young people for adulthood.

Experts have stressed concerns about the growing number of young people not in employment. Data from the Office for National Statistics (ONS) shows that the unemployment rate for 16-24-year-olds is currently 16.2%, which represents the highest figure since 2014.

Responding to the review, Shevaun Haviland, Director General of the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC), said: 'The Milburn report must be a wakeup call for policymakers about the crisis of young people not in employment, education and training. 

'Unless urgent comprehensive action is taken a whole generation is at risk of being cut loose from society, and economic growth will be hampered.

'[The] report accurately diagnoses the problem, with suggested solutions to come later in the year.'