The Guardian view on jobs and training: boosting young people's chances should be a national mission | Editorial

More than 1 million people aged 16–24 are not in education, employment, or training, representing one in eight of their age group. About 60% are economically inactive and not looking for work. Without action, the number is expected to rise. The problem is often approached from the wrong direction, with welfare spending attacks and harsh criticism of young people distracting from unemployment, worsening health, and insufficient training. The country’s poor outcomes compared with other nations are presented as evidence of policy failure. A government mission is proposed, with clearer purpose and detailed plans. Expansion of higher education is noted as not being matched by support for the majority who do not go to university, while housing inflation and declining entry-level jobs further limit opportunities. Technology’s disorienting effects are also highlighted, especially when young people lack roles in their local economy.

"The latest figures record more than 1 million Neets one in eight of their age group; 60% are economically inactive, meaning that they are not looking for work. The report warns that there will soon be more unless action is taken. It points out that this issue is too often approached from the wrong direction. Political attacks on welfare spending and mean-spirited criticisms of kids these days are a distraction from the facts about unemployment, rising ill health and inadequate training."

"Mr Milburn's pitch is that this generation should be a new mission for the government, which took office without a clear enough sense of purpose or detailed plans. This is a good call. The expansion of higher education was not matched by anything like enough thought about the more than 60% of young people who do not go from school to university. Housing inflation has made it harder for young adults to leave home."

"Mr Milburn has also grasped something significant about the disorienting effect of technology for young people perpetually plugged in to the online world, but without a role in their local economy. The decline in entry-level jobs in hospitality, leisure and retail has been disastrous for a cohort that would have hoped for a first chance in these sectors. Many submit dozens of applications without receiving a response beyond a pro forma no."

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