"Government Probes Soaring Youth Inactivity Rates"

Government Launches Inquiry into Rising Tide of Youth Inactivity The UK government has launched an independent review to investigate the rising number of young people aged 16-24 who are not in education, employment, or training, known as "Neets." According to Work and Pensions Secretary Pat McFadden, the persistently high number of young people falling out of education or work is a "crisis of opportunity" requiring urgent action. The inquiry, led by former Labour Health Secretary Alan Milburn, aims to identify the underlying causes of this trend and explore solutions to reduce long-term costs and get young people back into work. The number of young people classified as Neets has been rising in recent years, with approximately one in eight now falling into this category. According to the government, this represents a significant increase, with the number of young people not in education, employment, or training approaching one million. A quarter of those who are Neets cite long-term illness or disability as the reason for their inactivity, while others may be struggling with mental health issues or lack of job opportunities. The issue of youth inactivity is not new, but the government considers it a pressing concern that requires urgent attention. According to Work and Pensions Secretary Pat McFadden, the rising number of Neets is a "crisis of opportunity" that needs to be addressed to ensure that young people have access to the education and training they need to succeed in the workforce. "We need to understand the root causes of this trend and find ways to support young people who are struggling to get back into education, employment, or training," McFadden said. The independent review, which will be led by Alan Milburn, will examine the underlying causes of youth inactivity and explore solutions to reduce long-term costs and get young people back into work. The review will also consider the impact of the pandemic on young people's education and employment prospects, as well as the role of technology and automation in shaping the future of work. The government's decision to launch an independent review into youth inactivity comes as part of a broader effort to address the issue and provide support to young people who are struggling to get back into education, employment, or training. The review is expected to provide recommendations for policymakers and stakeholders, with the aim of reducing the number of young people classified as Neets and improving their long-term prospects. In a statement, Alan Milburn said, "I am committed to understanding the root causes of youth inactivity and finding solutions to support young people who are struggling to get back into education, employment, or training. I look forward to working with stakeholders and policymakers to identify effective ways to address this issue and improve the prospects of young people in the UK." The independent review is expected to report its findings and recommendations in the coming months, with the government committing to act on its recommendations to address the issue of youth inactivity.