Story perspectives

Starmer Vows Reforms as Milburn Flags 1 M NEETs

6/1/2026

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Milburn Warns

The Milburn review warned the UK faces a potential “lost generation” of 16- to 24-year-olds.
Minister Alan Milburn released a report on youth unemployment, finding over one million NEETs, the highest level in 12 years.
Prime Minister Keir Starmer called findings sobering and pledged to work with Milburn on reforms.
Work and Pensions Secretary Pat McFadden announced a Youth Jobs Grant and 500,000 new positions.

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Bolland Jobs Adviser

Marc Bolland, former Marks & Spencer chief executive, was named government jobs adviser to head a business summit.
The UK government secured commitments from major firms to deliver 300,000 work-experience and training placements for youth over three years.
Milburn’s report warned unemployment costs £125 billion a year and could reach 1.25 million NEETs by 2031.
Trade unions and charities said only £1 of every £25 of benefits funds employment support.

History

Historical Context

Britain’s Youth Training Scheme, launched in 1983 by the Manpower Services Commission under Margaret Thatcher, replaced the 1978 Youth Opportunities Programme and required at least 13 weeks of off-the-job training. Designed to curb early-1980s youth unemployment, the scheme’s scale informs today’s Milburn review, which warns that over one million NEETs could cost the Treasury £125 billion annually.

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Milburn Warns

The Milburn review warned the UK faces a potential “lost generation” of 16- to 24-year-olds.
Minister Alan Milburn released a report on youth unemployment, finding over one million NEETs, the highest level in 12 years.
Prime Minister Keir Starmer called findings sobering and pledged to work with Milburn on reforms.
Work and Pensions Secretary Pat McFadden announced a Youth Jobs Grant and 500,000 new positions.

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