Labour’s head of the Department for Work and Pensions has emphasized the urgency of addressing the escalating number of young individuals not engaged in work, education, or training, labeling it a “national crisis.” Pat McFadden, the Secretary for Work and Pensions, accused the Conservative party of neglecting this issue, which has been on the rise since 2021.
Recent statistics reveal that approximately 946,000 individuals aged 16-24 were classified as not in employment, education, or training (NEET) between July and September 2025, representing over 12% of the total population in that age group.
McFadden stressed the importance of providing every young person with the necessary support and opportunities to succeed, highlighting the failure of previous governments to address the increasing inactivity among young people. He called for urgent action, describing the situation as a national crisis and emphasizing the significance of investing in the future of these individuals.
The government has launched a Job Guarantee scheme in various regions, including Birmingham & Solihull and Greater Manchester, to offer subsidized job opportunities to 55,000 individuals aged 18-21 who have been on Universal Credit for 18 months. Failure to engage with the support provided may result in sanctions to their benefits, with a nationwide rollout expected later this year.
Several employers, including Tesco and JD Sports, have pledged to participate in the Job Guarantee scheme, aiming to provide job opportunities for eligible individuals.
In a separate initiative, an independent investigation led by Labour veteran and former Health Secretary Alan Milburn has been launched to reduce the number of young people not in employment, education, or training. The final report is anticipated to be published in the summer.
Deputy Prime Minister David Lammy criticized the Conservative party’s track record during a session in place of Keir Starmer at PMQs, responding to accusations about the rising cost of hiring young people. Lammy pointed out the significant number of young individuals who were not working or learning when the Conservatives were in power.