Story perspectives

Milburn Review Targets SEND Internships to Boost Jobs

8/16/2026

Summary

Story summary

Minister Alan Milburn’s review proposes expanding specialist internships for 16- to 24-year-olds with SEND.
The review notes only 5 % of SEND groups secure jobs, while internships can raise employment to 70 %.
Nearly 1 million 16- to 24-year-olds are NEET and could climb to 1.25 million by the early 2030s, a 25 % rise.
The review urges schools to intervene early, noting 48 % of 4,500 interns found paid work and warning funding could cut disability benefits.

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Story summary

Minister Alan Milburn’s review proposes expanding specialist internships for 16- to 24-year-olds with SEND.
The review notes only 5 % of SEND groups secure jobs, while internships can raise employment to 70 %.
Nearly 1 million 16- to 24-year-olds are NEET and could climb to 1.25 million by the early 2030s, a 25 % rise.
The review urges schools to intervene early, noting 48 % of 4,500 interns found paid work and warning funding could cut disability benefits.