Mayors Urged to Combat Youth Unemployment Crisis in England

Alan Milburn, the UK government's work tsar, has emphasized the urgent need for mayors across England to be granted greater powers to address the escalating youth unemployment crisis. In a review focused on the increasing inactivity among young people, Milburn highlighted that nearly 1 million individuals aged 16-24 are currently not in work, education, or training (Neets), with the majority located in the northern regions and the Midlands. Official statistics reveal that the unemployment rate rose to 5.2% in the last quarter of 2025, marking the highest level since early 2021. Among young people, the unemployment rate reached 16%, the highest in nearly 11 years.

The Guardian

The crisis is particularly pronounced in the north-east, where 17.3% of young people are classified as Neets, and in Yorkshire and Humberside, where the figure stands at 16.8%. Milburn expressed concern over the long-term implications of this trend, noting that 45% of 24-year-old Neets have never held a job, which could lead to lasting negative effects on their future prospects. He stated, “Local authorities and mayors have an absolutely critical role to play because they’ve got convening power – they can bring together schools, the colleges, the employers in an area.”

The Guardian

Milburn's review aims to explore whether local authorities need expanded responsibilities in reducing Neet rates and enhancing skills and employment support. He is currently engaged in discussions with mayors and local authorities to ensure their active participation in addressing this issue. A panel of experts, including former John Lewis CEO Charlie Mayfield and ex-Bank of England chief economist Andy Haldane, will contribute to the formulation of recommendations.

The Guardian

During a visit to an adult employment center in Bradford, Milburn described the youth unemployment crisis as the most pressing issue he has encountered in three decades of public service. He noted that public concern centers on the generational challenge of young people potentially being worse off than their parents or grandparents, a situation unprecedented in the last century. Milburn remarked, “There’s a fear in British society that the contract that we’ve had – that each generation would do better than the last – has been broken.”

The Guardian

While Milburn's proposals have garnered attention, there are concerns about the effectiveness of local authorities in addressing such a complex issue. Critics argue that without substantial funding and resources, merely granting more powers to mayors may not yield the desired outcomes in tackling youth unemployment.

The Guardian

Milburn's inquiry is set to release an interim update in May 2026, followed by comprehensive recommendations in September 2026. The review will also examine the role of the welfare state and the National Health Service in relation to youth unemployment, aiming to ignite a movement for change beyond Westminster.

The Guardian