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In a bold move to combat rising youth unemployment, a forthcoming government review is set to recommend that primary schools in England take proactive measures to identify children at risk of becoming NEET (Not in Employment, Education, or Training) by the age of 16. Led by former Labour health secretary Alan Milburn, the review reflects a growing urgency amidst alarming statistics that show over a million young people are currently disconnected from the job market—a figure that has not been seen in more than a decade.
A Call for Accountability
Milburn emphasised the need for clear accountability within governmental structures. He asserted that ministers must “make somebody responsible” for the vital task of identifying and supporting at-risk children. “The warning signs are there from a very early age—frankly, from preschool,” he stated, stressing the importance of early intervention. His review, which is expected to be published in the autumn, aims to address not just educational policies but also the wider benefits system that affects young people.
The review comes at a time when youth unemployment has surged, with one in eight young adults aged 16 to 24 currently classified as NEET. The figures have risen sharply against a backdrop of deteriorating mental health and a challenging labour market, highlighting the urgent need for effective solutions.
Tackling Mental Health and Educational Disparities
Milburn’s findings underline a troubling correlation between educational disengagement and future unemployment. A study from Bradford revealed that children who are not adequately prepared for school are nearly three times more likely to be NEET by their mid-teens. He argues that factors such as poverty, mental health issues, and experiences in care significantly increase the likelihood of young people falling through the cracks of the education system.
Moreover, the review will propose that schools flag potential NEET risks as early as the end of primary education, utilising attendance records and other indicators. This proactive approach aims to ensure that interventions can be made well before students reach secondary school, where many begin to disengage from learning altogether.
Reforming the Benefits System
As part of a broader strategy to revamp the welfare system, Milburn cautioned that any reforms restricting benefits for young people must be complemented by enhanced educational and job support initiatives. He articulated that the current state of the system reflects “upstream failures” in education and health policies. “We’ve got to turbocharge opportunities for young people,” he insisted. “And alongside opportunities, of course, there has got to be some obligations.”
Milburn’s call for reform resonates with Labour leader Andy Burnham, who has prioritised youth employment in his agenda. Burnham’s government aims to reshape technical education and apprenticeships in the early weeks of his premiership, signalling a renewed commitment to tackling youth worklessness.
The Role of Schools in Prevention
The review also advocates for the Department for Education to revise its pupil premium guidance, enabling schools to utilise additional funds for tutoring and mentoring programmes aimed at those most at risk of becoming NEET. This is particularly crucial as the rate of school absenteeism has surged since the Covid pandemic, with 1.3 million pupils classified as persistently absent in the last two years.
Milburn’s interim report highlighted a staggering association between persistent absenteeism and the risk of being NEET, with data showing that these young people are 6.3 times more likely to be excluded from both earning and learning opportunities. Although some schools have adopted tools designed to identify those at risk, the approach remains inconsistent and is not mandated across the board.
Why it Matters
This review is not merely an academic exercise; it represents a critical juncture in the fight against youth unemployment. By advocating for early intervention in primary schools, the government has a chance to reverse the tide of disconnection that has plagued a generation. As Milburn aptly pointed out, “We’re paying the price of failure.” If effective measures are not implemented soon, the societal costs of neglecting our youth could resonate for years to come, impacting not only individual lives but the broader economy as well.
