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The alarming statistic of nearly one million young individuals in the UK currently disengaged from work, education, or training—primarily concentrated in the north and Midlands—has sparked calls for mayors to be granted enhanced powers to combat this pressing issue. Alan Milburn, the government’s work tsar, emphasises the necessity of local intervention, asserting that without proactive measures, the nation risks inflicting long-term harm on its youth.
A Localised Approach to a National Crisis
In recent discussions, Milburn pointed out that eight out of ten local authorities with the highest rates of young people not participating in work or education are located in the north and Midlands. This geographical disparity highlights the urgent need for tailored solutions. Milburn stressed that local authorities and mayors possess unique convening power, allowing them to unite schools, colleges, and local businesses in a collaborative effort to mitigate the crisis.
“Their legal powers are significant, but we must evaluate whether these are sufficient,” Milburn explained. He advocates for an increase in responsibilities for local governments, particularly in the realms of education and employment support, to directly address the rising numbers of young people classified as NEET (Not in Employment, Education, or Training).
Rising Unemployment Rates Among Young People
The latest statistics from the Office for National Statistics reveal a worrying trend, with overall unemployment rising to 5.2% in the final quarter of 2025—the highest recorded since early 2021. Young people are disproportionately affected, with unemployment rates for those aged 16 to 24 soaring to 16%, marking an eleven-year peak. In specific regions such as the north-east, the figure climbs to a staggering 17.3% for young individuals who are NEET.
Milburn expressed his dismay upon discovering that 45% of NEETs aged 24 have never held a job, warning that this could lead to a “long-term scarring effect” on their prospects. The ramifications of such prolonged disengagement could echo for years, hindering not just individual futures but also the broader socio-economic landscape.
Engaging Local Leaders for Change
In light of these challenges, Milburn’s inquiry into youth unemployment aims to foster change beyond Westminster. He is currently collaborating with mayors and local authorities to ensure they actively participate in addressing the crisis. This inquiry is expected to yield an interim report in May, with comprehensive recommendations set for release in September.
Assisting Milburn on this critical mission is a panel of distinguished experts from various sectors, including former John Lewis chairman Charlie Mayfield and ex-Bank of England chief economist Andy Haldane. Their collective insights will be instrumental in shaping effective policies that can be implemented at the local level.
During a visit to an adult employment centre in Bradford, Milburn articulated his commitment to initiating a movement for change, stating, “This issue is one of the most visceral I have encountered in my three decades in public life.” He acknowledged the deep-seated concerns among the public regarding the future of young people, particularly as the prospect of this generation being worse off than their predecessors looms larger than ever.
A Generational Challenge
Milburn’s remarks resonate deeply with the British public, who fear that the traditional social contract—where each generation is expected to surpass the last—is under threat. “This is the first time in a century that we face the possibility of a generation being worse off than their parents,” he noted, underscoring the urgency of the situation.
With mounting economic pressures compounded by global conflicts, the call for local empowerment to tackle youth unemployment has never been more critical. Mayors and local leaders are uniquely positioned to spearhead initiatives that not only address immediate needs but also lay the groundwork for a more hopeful future.
Why it Matters
The call for increased local power in combating youth unemployment is not merely an administrative suggestion; it reflects a fundamental shift in how we view the responsibilities of governance. The implications of failing to engage and support nearly one million young people extend beyond individual hardship—they threaten the very fabric of society. By empowering local leaders to take decisive action, the UK can begin to repair the fracture in generational equity, ensuring that the promise of a better future remains within reach for all young people.
