Alan Milburn's report on young people not in employment, education, or training (NEET) highlights a significant and growing problem. According to the report, about 1 million young people across the UK are NEET, representing roughly one in eight of the age group. This is described as a record of failure, with the situation worsening over the past decade.
The report notes that a decade ago, the number was lower, but it has since increased both in absolute terms and as a proportion of the youth population. Milburn, a former Labour health secretary, points to systemic issues in education and employment support.
Key recommendations include better integration of vocational training, improved careers advice, and targeted support for disadvantaged areas. The report calls for urgent government action to reverse the trend.
