"The latest figures, showing another increase in the final quarter of last year, to 957,000, underline the scale of the problem. The review is evidence that ministers are paying attention. The youth guarantee in the autumn budget means that 820m will be spent on paid work placements for 18- to 21-year-olds."
"One is the rising prevalence of illness and disability, and the lack of a reliable system of work-based help. Positive results from a programme known as Individual Placement and Support should lead to a wider rollout of a resource shared by employers and workers that is somewhat similar to occupational health."
"One sensible step would be to widen eligibility for the youth guarantee, which is currently restricted to 18- to 21-year-olds on benefits. Work capability assessments should also be improved, and linked up with workplace support."
Youth unemployment and economic inactivity among 16-24 year-olds, termed Neets, has reached 957,000, prompting a government review led by former health secretary Alan Milburn. The autumn budget allocated £820 million for paid work placements targeting 18-21 year-olds. Key challenges include rising illness and disability among young people, with approximately a quarter of Neets inactive due to health reasons. The Individual Placement and Support programme shows positive results and should be expanded. While illness-linked benefit claims grew 24% between 2019-2024 to 530,000, engaging non-claimants remains critical. Reforms needed include widening youth guarantee eligibility beyond current benefit recipients, improving work capability assessments, and linking them with workplace support. Minimum wage increases and employer national insurance contributions present complex economic considerations.
#youth-unemployment #neets-not-in-education-employment-or-training #health-and-disability-support #work-placements #labour-market-policy
Read at www.theguardian.com
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