Government Launches Review into Youth Unemployment and Mental Health Crisis
Published 9 November 2025
Highlights
- An independent review led by Alan Milburn will investigate the rise in young people not in education, employment, or training (Neets), with findings due next summer.
- The review will explore the impact of mental health and disability on youth unemployment, as nearly a million young people are currently classified as Neets.
- The number of young people claiming health-related benefits has increased by over 50% in the past five years, with mental health conditions cited by 80% of claimants.
- The government aims to address this "crisis of opportunity" with potential policy changes to reduce long-term youth inactivity and reliance on benefits.
- The review's recommendations will complement other ongoing reviews, including one on personal independence payments for disabilities.
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Headline: Government Launches Review into Youth Unemployment and Mental Health Crisis
The UK government has initiated an independent review to address the growing number of young people not engaged in education, employment, or training, commonly referred to as Neets. Former Labour Health Secretary Alan Milburn will lead the inquiry, which aims to uncover the underlying causes of this issue and propose actionable solutions. The findings are expected to be published next summer.
Understanding the Neet Phenomenon
The term Neet describes nearly a million young individuals aged 16 to 24 who are neither working nor studying. This demographic has been steadily increasing, prompting concerns about a "crisis of opportunity," as described by Work and Pensions Secretary Pat McFadden. The review will particularly focus on the role of mental health and disability, with 80% of young benefit claimants citing these as barriers to employment.
Government's Response to Youth Inactivity
The review comes on the heels of another report by former John Lewis boss Charlie Mayfield, which highlighted the economic inactivity crisis affecting young adults. The government is considering a "youth guarantee" to provide paid work opportunities for young people on universal credit for extended periods. McFadden emphasized the need for urgent action to prevent a generation from being lost to a life on benefits.
Milburn's Uncompromising Approach
Alan Milburn, who served as health secretary from 1999 to 2003, has pledged to be "uncompromising" in identifying failures within the current systems of employment support, education, and welfare. His review will aim to make practical recommendations to help young people with health conditions access work, training, or education, ensuring they are supported to thrive.
Complementary Reviews and Future Steps
The Milburn review will align with other ongoing assessments, such as the Timms review on personal independence payments, to provide a comprehensive approach to tackling youth unemployment. The government hopes these efforts will transform the lives and prospects of young people, ultimately benefiting the broader economy.
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Scenario Analysis
The outcome of Alan Milburn's review could significantly influence future government policies on youth employment and welfare. Should the review uncover systemic issues in current support structures, it may lead to substantial reforms aimed at integrating young people into the workforce. Additionally, the proposed "youth guarantee" could provide immediate relief by offering paid work opportunities, potentially reducing the number of Neets. However, political challenges remain, particularly in securing support for welfare reforms from Labour backbenchers. The success of these initiatives will largely depend on the government's ability to implement effective, evidence-based solutions that address both the economic and health-related aspects of youth unemployment.
The UK government has initiated an independent review to address the growing number of young people not engaged in education, employment, or training, commonly referred to as Neets. Former Labour Health Secretary Alan Milburn will lead the inquiry, which aims to uncover the underlying causes of this issue and propose actionable solutions. The findings are expected to be published next summer.
Understanding the Neet Phenomenon
The term Neet describes nearly a million young individuals aged 16 to 24 who are neither working nor studying. This demographic has been steadily increasing, prompting concerns about a "crisis of opportunity," as described by Work and Pensions Secretary Pat McFadden. The review will particularly focus on the role of mental health and disability, with 80% of young benefit claimants citing these as barriers to employment.
Government's Response to Youth Inactivity
The review comes on the heels of another report by former John Lewis boss Charlie Mayfield, which highlighted the economic inactivity crisis affecting young adults. The government is considering a "youth guarantee" to provide paid work opportunities for young people on universal credit for extended periods. McFadden emphasized the need for urgent action to prevent a generation from being lost to a life on benefits.
Milburn's Uncompromising Approach
Alan Milburn, who served as health secretary from 1999 to 2003, has pledged to be "uncompromising" in identifying failures within the current systems of employment support, education, and welfare. His review will aim to make practical recommendations to help young people with health conditions access work, training, or education, ensuring they are supported to thrive.
Complementary Reviews and Future Steps
The Milburn review will align with other ongoing assessments, such as the Timms review on personal independence payments, to provide a comprehensive approach to tackling youth unemployment. The government hopes these efforts will transform the lives and prospects of young people, ultimately benefiting the broader economy.
What this might mean
The outcome of Alan Milburn's review could significantly influence future government policies on youth employment and welfare. Should the review uncover systemic issues in current support structures, it may lead to substantial reforms aimed at integrating young people into the workforce. Additionally, the proposed "youth guarantee" could provide immediate relief by offering paid work opportunities, potentially reducing the number of Neets. However, political challenges remain, particularly in securing support for welfare reforms from Labour backbenchers. The success of these initiatives will largely depend on the government's ability to implement effective, evidence-based solutions that address both the economic and health-related aspects of youth unemployment.
