Secretary of State for Work and Pensions (): I am pleased to make a statement today on the
Independent Report into Young People and Work I have
commissioned, with support from the Secretary of State for Health
and Social Care and the Secretary of State for Education. This
Report forms part of the Government's further action to maximise
opportunities for young people.
This Government believes in opportunity for all. But too many
young people are being denied the opportunity to further their
education, skills or careers.
Nearly one million young people - approximately one in eight
young people aged 16 to 24 - are not in education, employment or
training (NEET). Over a quarter of NEET young people now cite
long-term sickness or disability as a barrier to participation
compared to just 12% in 2013/14.
This Government has already taken decisive action to address
these challenges. We have committed to invest £25 million to
double the number of Youth Hubs.
We have launched eight Youth Guarantee trailblazers across
England, backed by £90 million, to test new ways of improving
coordination and accountability for young people's opportunities
at the local level.
We are developing a Youth Guarantee which will ensure 18 to 21
year olds are earning or learning. As part of that we are
increasing skills training including short courses, expanding the
number of youth hubs, and standing up a new Jobs Guarantee Scheme
to offer paid work for every eligible young person who has been
on Universal Credit for 18 months without earning or learning.
For disabled people and those with health conditions we are
introducing the Pathways to Work guarantee of work, health and
skills support, but we know we must go further.
The Report will examine the drivers behind the rise in NEET rates
and economic inactivity among young people including those with
health conditions and make recommendations for policy responses
aimed at maximising opportunities.
The Report will be authored Right Honourable , former Secretary of State for
Health and Chair of the Social Mobility Commission. He will be
supported by a panel of labour market, health and clinical
experts which will be announced in due course.
This work will be grounded in evidence, shaped by the voices of
young people, and informed by those who work with them every day.
I am determined to build a system that supports young people, not
just in finding a job, but to build a better future – because
when young people succeed, Britain succeeds.
The Terms of Reference will be published on GOV.UK and placed in
the Libraries of both Houses. The Report will share its interim
findings with Government in Spring 2026, with final
recommendations by Summer 2026.
