Andy Burnham emphasized today his dedication to stopping the increase of young individuals who are not engaged in work, education, or training. Addressing a pressing issue in Britain, the new Prime Minister highlighted the importance of reducing the number of ‘Neets’ as a key focus.
In his announcement, Burnham unveiled plans to introduce new technical education pathways for 14-year-olds, aiming to provide alternative options comparable to traditional academic routes. He expressed his commitment to decreasing the count of young people who are not in education, employment, or training during his tenure, acknowledging the challenge of specifying a timeframe for achieving this goal.
The term ‘Neets’ refers to individuals aged 16 to 24 who are not participating in education, employment, or training. Recent statistics revealed a concerning 1.01 million young people falling under this category, representing over 13.5% of the age group, marking a 6% increase from the previous quarter.
The surge in ‘Neets’ is not a new phenomenon for Britain, as similar trends were observed following the 2007 financial crisis. Despite a decline from peak numbers in 2011, the figures have been steadily rising post-pandemic. A report commissioned by Keir Starmer’s government in 2025, led by Alan Milburn, underscored the severity of the situation, warning of substantial economic repercussions and the potential for a “lost generation.”
In response to the crisis, Burnham’s government is taking proactive measures, such as revamping the education system to provide technical education options for 14-year-olds, aiming to align them with local job market demands. By involving regional leaders and mayors in designing these initiatives, the government hopes to prevent future generations from facing the ‘Neets’ dilemma.
Additionally, the government announced financial support for households on Universal Credit to facilitate teenagers’ participation in apprenticeships. A new bursary scheme, offering up to £4,500 per year per household, seeks to alleviate financial barriers hindering young individuals from pursuing apprenticeship opportunities.
As Burnham’s administration continues to address complex issues like mental healthcare and treatment wait times, the forthcoming report by Alan Milburn in the autumn is eagerly anticipated. The success of Burnham’s mission to combat the ‘Neets’ crisis and support young individuals will largely depend on the effectiveness of these proposed reforms and their implementation.
