A landmark report by Alan Milburn on young people and work is set to be released this week. The report will propose controversial benefit cuts for under-25s, coupled with a legal guarantee of a job or training opportunity. This plan, which also includes changes to education and health, is expected to take a decade to implement.
The proposals come as almost a million young people are not in education, employment, or training (Neet). Unemployment among under-25s has seen its fastest rise since the 2008 financial crisis, reaching its highest level relative to all ages since the early 1990s. Young people now account for approximately 40% of all unemployment.
The report highlights that for every £1 spent on job support, £25 is spent on benefits. However, it also notes that half of all Neets are not on benefits, and a lack of entry-level opportunities and poor-quality jobs are significant factors in Britain's youth jobs crisis.