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In a bold initiative aimed at curbing the escalating crisis of youth unemployment, a government review is set to recommend that primary schools across England take a proactive role in identifying children who may be at risk of leaving education without a job. Alan Milburn, the former Labour health secretary leading this review, emphasised the urgent need for a systematic approach to support children and young people on the path to employment.
Identifying Risks Early
Milburn’s review highlights a concerning statistic: over one million young people aged 16 to 24 are currently classified as NEET (not in education, employment, or training), a figure that has not been seen in more than a decade. This alarming trend represents about one in eight young people in that age bracket. Milburn asserts that the signs of potential disengagement from education can often be detected as early as preschool.
“Ministers need to make somebody responsible,” he stated in an interview, “for identifying and supporting children who risk becoming NEET after their GCSEs.” He believes primary schools should play a pivotal role in this identification process, followed by targeted interventions from secondary schools and other services to redirect these young individuals onto a more promising pathway.
A Comprehensive Approach to Education Policy
The forthcoming report, which is expected to be published this autumn, will not only advocate for educational reforms but will also propose significant changes to the welfare system. Milburn emphasised that addressing youth unemployment requires a multi-faceted strategy. He warned that any attempts to restrict benefit payments for young people must be paired with enhanced educational and job support systems.
He stated, “By the time a young person reaches the benefit system, it represents an upstream failure in education, skills, and health policy because a functioning system could have helped them to find a job.” The call for reform comes as Labour leader Andy Burnham prioritises tackling youth employment issues, indicating a potential shift in government focus towards vocational training and apprenticeships.
Lessons from Ireland
During a recent fact-finding trip to Ireland, Milburn noted the country’s success in reducing NEET rates, which have plummeted over the past decade. He highlighted the necessity of early intervention, noting research indicating that children who are not school-ready by ages four to five are nearly three times more likely to become NEET by the age of 16 to 17.
“Poverty, mental health issues, and being in care are correlated factors,” he pointed out, urging that this knowledge must be transformed into actionable strategies within the educational framework.
Addressing Absenteeism
Compounding the issue of youth unemployment is the stark rise in school absenteeism, a trend exacerbated by the Covid-19 pandemic. Official data reveals that the number of persistently absent pupils has nearly doubled, reaching 1.3 million in 2024 and 2025. Milburn’s interim report from May highlighted that persistent absenteeism increases the likelihood of becoming NEET by 3.9 times, with severe absence raising that risk even further.
While some schools have begun utilising “Roni” (risk of NEET indicator) tools to identify at-risk students, such practices remain inconsistent and largely unmandated. “We’ve got to get upstream,” Milburn urged, stressing that the consequences of inaction are being felt by both the youth and the country as a whole.
Why it Matters
The implications of this review extend beyond just educational reform; they touch upon the very fabric of society and the economy. As youth unemployment continues to rise, the potential for long-term societal issues increases, including poverty, mental health challenges, and a cycle of disengagement. By prioritising early identification and support, the government has an opportunity to not only transform the lives of countless young people but also to bolster the economy by fostering a more skilled and engaged workforce. The stakes could not be higher.
