New Strategy to Tackle Rising Youth Unemployment Across Cambridgeshire and Peterborough

The Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Combined Authority has officially approved the development of a sweeping new Youth Employment Strategy for 14–25-year-olds.

The Youth Employment Strategy will address the region's growing number of young people who are not in education, employment, or training (NEET).

This strategic approach brings together key partners and stakeholders to create a shared vision for young people, reducing fragmentation in the current system and driving a more collaborative, connected and coherent way of working across Cambridgeshire and Peterborough.

The Strategy will focus on areas where intervention is needed most, particularly in Peterborough, where the unemployment rate for 16 and 17-year-olds has hit 5.4% - well above the national average. Poor health and particularly learning difficulties and mental health challenges are driving a significant portion of this economic inactivity.

Paul Bristow, Mayor of Cambridgeshire and Peterborough, said "Our economy thrives when young people are working and earning. Getting this untapped talent into good, sustainable jobs isn't just about their future; it's about driving growth, boosting productivity, and powering Cambridgeshire and Peterborough forward."

Building on the region's existing Youth Guarantee Trailblazer, the new strategy will capture existing early intervention opportunities and gaps in services, in schools from age 14, continuing right through to age 25.

Andrea Wood MBE, Assistant Director for Skills and Employment at the Combined Authority said "By listening directly to the lived experiences of our 14 to 25-year-olds, we are building a plan that tackles the root causes of economic inactivity. From early intervention in schools to supporting care leavers and those with special educational needs, this is about whole-system collaboration."   

To move quickly, the Combined Authority is teaming up with national experts Youth Employment UK. Over the next 12 weeks, they will co-design the strategy by listening directly to young people, alongside local councils, training providers, and local employers.

ENDS

Notes to Editors:

• The Local NEET Picture: Across Cambridgeshire and Peterborough, an estimated 14.2% of 16 to 24-year-olds are currently NEET. This equates to over 15,000 young people who are disengaged from the workforce and education system.
• Peterborough Focus: Among 16 and 17-year-olds, the regional NEET rate has risen to 3.9%, sitting above the national average of 3.4%. The need for intervention is especially critical in Peterborough, where the rate has reached 5.4%, significantly higher than Cambridgeshire's rate of 3.4%. Health challenges—including mental health, learning difficulties, and autism—are major factors driving this economic inactivity.
• Building on the Youth Guarantee: The region is currently one of eight UK areas piloting the government's Youth Guarantee Trailblazer, which targets 18 to 21-year-olds. This new strategy expands that scope to create a 14–25 whole-system approach.
• Partnership with Youth Employment UK: The Combined Authority will work with Youth Employment UK as a strategic design partner. As the national body for youth employment, their involvement ensures the strategy is grounded in regional youth insights and aligned to emerging national reforms.