An interim report on Young People and Work by Alan Milburn has highlighted that nearly 1 million people aged between 16 and 24 are not in education, employment, or training (NEET). This figure, announced last month, means one in eight young people in the country are in this position.
The report suggests that the current system has failed a generation of young Britons, with many becoming trapped in the benefits system. The UK's welfare bill is currently over £333bn, which is more than 10 per cent of GDP.
Prime Minister Andy Burnham has unveiled plans to address this issue, including putting technical and academic education on an equal footing. This initiative aims to expand vocational routes, building on a model previously introduced in Greater Manchester.