Summary
Alan Milburn is investigating the rise in young people not engaged in education, work, or training in the UK, particularly in the north-east region. Close to a million young people fall into this category, with a significant portion not actively seeking employment. Various issues such as an outdated school curriculum and mental health concerns are linked to this increase.
Key Facts
- Alan Milburn is conducting a review for the UK government to understand rising youth unemployment.
- Nearly one million young people, aged 16 to 24, are not in education, employment, or training, the highest number in over a decade.
- More than half of these young people are considered economically inactive, meaning they are not searching for work.
- The north-east of England is especially affected by this issue.
- Milburn calls this situation a "social, economic, and political catastrophe."
- Milburn links an outmoded school curriculum, mental health problems, and labor market changes as factors causing the problem.
- Young people like Jordan Thompson and Morgan Hogarth have experienced work-related challenges but found support through local initiatives.
- The COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated issues by impacting social skills and job readiness among youth.
