Andy Burnham emphasized today that he is committed to addressing the increase in young people who are not engaged in work, education, or training. In one of his initial actions as the new Prime Minister, he highlighted the importance of reducing the number of ‘Neets.’
Burnham unveiled plans to introduce new technical education pathways for 14-year-olds, aiming to provide them with options equivalent to traditional academic routes. He expressed his dedication to decreasing the count of young individuals not participating in education, employment, or training during his tenure, acknowledging the challenge this task poses.
The term ‘Neets’ is used by Whitehall to identify individuals aged 16 to 24 who are not involved in educational or work-related activities. Recent statistics from January to March revealed a significant 1.01 million young people falling into this category, representing over 13.5% of the age group, marking a 6% increase from the previous quarter.
Following the financial crisis of 2007, the number of ‘Neets’ surged in the UK. Data from the Office for National Statistics showed a peak of 1.25 million individuals in this category in July-September 2011. While the figures later declined, they have been steadily rising in the aftermath of the pandemic.
A report commissioned by Keir Starmer’s government in 2025, led by former Labour Cabinet minister Alan Milburn, highlighted the urgent nature of the situation. The report warned of potential long-term economic repercussions amounting to £125 billion and emphasized the risk of a “lost generation” if the trend continues.
Milburn’s report pointed out various contributing factors to the rise in ‘Neets,’ including societal changes like the decline of Saturday jobs, shifts in the labor market, technological influences, and the impact of the pandemic. He stressed that the responsibility lies with institutions that have failed to provide opportunities for young individuals rather than blaming the youth themselves.
Burnham has prioritized tackling the Neets crisis and initiated a revamp of the education system by introducing new technical education pathways for 14-year-olds. The aim is to align technical routes with academic paths and prevent a worsening of the Neets situation in the future.
Moreover, the government announced enhancements to support households on Universal Credit, enabling teenagers to pursue apprenticeships without financial constraints. A new bursary worth up to £4,500 per year per household is set to alleviate concerns about potential loss of benefits for families with apprenticeship-seeking youth.
As Burnham’s administration takes its initial steps in addressing the issue, further challenges such as mental health care for young individuals and treatment delays are on the horizon. The forthcoming report by Milburn in the autumn is anticipated to provide more comprehensive strategies to reduce the number of Neets, potentially requiring substantial investments.
The success of Burnham’s mission to combat the Neets crisis and aid young people will be determined by the government’s willingness to implement reforms and prioritize the well-being and future prospects of the youth.
