Alan Milburn is right, a young generation has been betrayed. Forget Tony Blair: we must attend to this
The new and excoriating account of the dire prospects for UK young people is a call to action. It could be the Beveridge report for our time
TL;DR
- Over a million young people are not in work, education, or training (Neets), a number expected to rise.
- The report describes "institutional neglect" and "catastrophic failure" in services for young people.
- Young people from deprived backgrounds are most likely to become Neets.
- The report criticizes the lack of entry-level jobs as a structural issue, not caused by wage increases or employee rights.
- Contrary to negative stereotypes, most young people surveyed wanted to work or enter training/education.
- The report highlights the despair and lack of support faced by young people, and the inadequacy of underfunded work coaches.
- Barriers for young people with troubled families or poor mental health could have been addressed earlier.
- The education system is criticized for exam obsession and failing to prepare students for the workforce.
- Further education funding and mental health support are deemed inadequate.
- Milburn calls the current situation a "broken social contract" where younger generations are worse off than their parents.