North East Leaders Warn 1 in 6 Youth Could Be NEET by 2031, Calling It an Economic Timebomb
Updated
Updated · Chronicle Live · Jun 14
North East Leaders Warn 1 in 6 Youth Could Be NEET by 2031, Calling It an Economic Timebomb
2 articles · Updated · Chronicle Live · Jun 14
Summary
North East politicians, academics and business leaders used a Newcastle forum to warn the region faces a mounting youth inactivity crisis after Alan Milburn’s report said young people risk becoming a “lost generation.”
1 in 6 young people — 1.25 million nationwide — could be out of work, education or training by 2031, the report said, while speakers put the annual UK cost of welfare, inactivity and lost revenue at £125 billion.
Alan Milburn and other speakers linked the problem to shrinking entry-level jobs and apprenticeships, Covid’s after-effects, social media pressures and support institutions they said are no longer fit to guide young people into adulthood.
Newcastle United Foundation said many school-leavers lack confidence, networks and clear routes into local jobs rather than ability, while local testimony gathered for the report included one young man who said he had applied for 60 to 70 jobs without success.
True North plans smaller follow-up workshops to turn the discussion into policy proposals for government, as regional leaders argue business as well as Westminster must help close the opportunity gap.
As AI eliminates junior roles, how can Britain's 'lost generation' secure a foothold in the new economy?
With youth mental health in crisis, can mandatory work engagement truly solve the UK's inactivity problem?
Over 1 Million NEETs: The Growing Crisis of Youth Inactivity in the UK and the Urgent Need for Reform
Overview
The UK is facing a serious and growing crisis of youth disengagement, with more young people aged 16-24 not in education, employment, or training. This alarming trend has prompted the government to launch an independent investigation, as reversing youth inactivity is now seen as a major economic challenge. The rise in NEETs is driven by complex factors, including the Covid-19 pandemic, the influence of smartphones, and tough job market conditions, all of which have made it harder for young people to stay engaged. These issues are deeply connected, making the crisis urgent and difficult to solve.