Alan Milburn's report on young people not in education, employment or training (Neets), published in May, describes a new generation of one million mostly poor Britons. The report suggests these young people are being encouraged to fare worse than their parents, breaking what Milburn calls "the great British promise" of generational advancement.
The number of 16- to 24-year-olds who are Neets is currently one in eight and is rising. Projections indicate this figure will reach 1.25 million by 2030. Over 80% of these individuals claim to want to find a job, education, or training, with a third possessing "good GCSEs."
According to the report, 44% of Neets are receiving state benefits, which currently cost £8.1 billion. Many also reportedly suffer from anxiety and other disabilities, with the number of young people with special educational needs having doubled in 10 years.
A Department for Work and Pensions survey of employers in August found that over 90% believe the education system should provide more vocational pathways. Employers expressed a desire for young people to understand personal motivation, teamwork, and time management, suggesting schools are overly focused on exams and lack adequate careers guidance.
Milburn's Neets report is an interim document that outlines the problem. His proposed solutions are anticipated this autumn.