Apprenticeships, National Insurance and Minimum Wage rises under scrutiny as MPs set to take evidence on youth employment crisis

Wednesday 11 March 2026, 09.30, Committee Room 6

The impact of policies that will have an effect on the employability of young people will be the subject of discussion at a Work and Pensions Committee evidence session on Wednesday.

MPs will take evidence from business representatives and from implementing authorities from Scotland, the West Midlands and Norfolk on labour market changes – including those impacted by AI, National Insurance and minimum wage rises, and apprenticeships as almost 1 million under-25s are not in employment, education or training.

Hospitality, traditionally a big employer of young people, and construction with its widespread apprenticeships, will be represented among the witnesses.

The session is part of the committee's Youth employment. Education and training inquiry.

Witnesses

From 09.30:

• Kate Nichols, Chair, UKHospitality;
• Tim Balcom, Chief Executive, Construction Industry Training Board (CITB);
• Chirs Russell, Senior policy Manager, Federation of Small Businesses (FSB);
• Kate Shoesmith, Director of Policy, British Chambers of Commerce (BCC).

From 10.40 (approx.)

• David Gaughan, Director of Employment and Skills, West Midlands Combined Authority;
• Jen Feeney, Head of Employment and Skills, Norfolk County Council;
• Dave McCallum, Head of CIAG Operations, Skills Development Scotland (virtual).