A lost generation?

Data from the Office for National Statistics shows that there were an estimated 987,00 young people aged 16-24 who were not in education, employment or training last year. This represents the highest number of young people not in education, employment or training since 2013, with one in eight young people across the country not studying, training or working. Experts warn that we are in a youth job crisis. 

A concern here is the impact on the mental health of young people. With inadequate resources in our already underfunded mental health services, the strain is only growing. Being out of work or education for prolonged periods has effects on mental health, leading to feelings of isolation, anxiety, and depression. The job market is evolving rapidly, with automation, digital transformation, and new industries reshaping employment opportunities. The longer young people remain disconnected from education or training programmes, the further they fall behind in acquiring the skills needed to thrive in a modern economy. 

There is a disproportionate representation of disadvantaged young people who fall in the not in education, employment or training category. Young people from low-income families, marginalised communities are bearing the brunt of the crisis. This highlights the urgent need for policies that address the root cause of disengagement. 

In a bid to reduce the unemployment gap and create opportunities for young people, the Labour Party announced its Youth Employment Guarantee. The Government aim to give every 18–21-year-old in England access to opportunities though education, training and apprenticeship. This programme is two-fold as it addresses the skills shortage in industries such as manufacturing and engineering and aims to give young people a solid platform to get into work.   

However, the future of the scheme remains uncertain. The Government’s recent decision to increase employer national insurance contributions and raise the national living wage, business leaders who warn that this could make them less likely to invest in young people. The Government must prioritise securing the future of young people, every young person deserves the chance to reach their full potential and contribute to society. The Youth Employment Guarantee may be a step in the right direction, but its future - and the future of these young people - remains in the government’s hands. We cannot afford to wait any longer.