Young people not in education, employment or training is 'biggest single issue' in UK
“They face challenges our generation did not”
Andy Burnham’s new jobs chief called England’s NEET crisis “the biggest single issue” facing the country - but stressed it is “not young people’s fault.”
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Minister for Employment Andrew Western MP said it was up to the Government to help young people “respect the hardhat as much as the graduate cap” by finding apprenticeships without gouging attendance at universities.
He spoke to The Star on September 3 during a visit to Sheffield, which has the 11th highest rate in England for 16-17 year olds classed as not in education, employment or training (NEET).
Over 900,000 young people aged 18-24 are considered NEET in the UK.
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Mr Western said: “I'm a few weeks into the job and every time I've looked into it I've come away saying ‘it's not young people's fault’.
“If you look at some of the problems they’ve had - the pandemic, CAHMS, social care, and a perverse set of incentives in the welfare system to demonstrate your ability to work - I would say they face challenges our generation did not.
“The Government is serious about supporting young people who are struggling, and I start any conversation that it's not their fault.
“Let's look at the barriers that are holding them back. If they aren't able to find their way into education or training they won't be able to make a contribution as they get older, especially into pensions.”
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It comes after PM Andy Burnham praised supermarket chain Sainsbury’s for pledging to create 10,000 work experience roles for young people.
The Star asked Mr Western whether the Government and public sector should be taking the lead making these jobs instead of the private sector, and whether the demand for apprenticeships will cost universities.
“It's on us as the Government to encourage the public sector to do more and show opportunities in the public sector,” the minister said.
“The NHS and social care especially. I believe the NEET issue is the biggest single issue in the country.
“And, with respect to the previous prime minister, we could really try to push away from the ‘uni or nothing’ strategy and towards apprenticeships where possible.
“There are some funding struggles in the university sector - increasing the tuition fee to £9,250 a year was a difficult decision as it means students take on more debt - but we need a thriving university sector as well as apprentices.”
Mr Western was in Sheffield to visit The Spark, a health care facility by Sheffield Children’s Hospital and home to the National Centre for Child Health Technology, based at the Olympic Legacy Park.
The visit discussed how to help young people who are considered NEET by way of health conditions, neurodivergence and other struggles.
It also showcased the NHS Health and Growth Accelerator, an initiative funded by NHS England and led locally by the South Yorkshire ICB to tackle “economic inactivity linked to poor health.”
Ruth Brown, Chief Executive of Sheffield Children's NHS Foundation Trust, said: “At Sheffield Children's, we see every day the impact that mental health challenges, anxiety and other barriers can have on a young person's confidence, aspirations and future opportunities.
“Creating healthier futures is at the heart of everything we do. Today's visit was a valuable opportunity to demonstrate the importance of investing in young people's health and wellbeing and the lasting difference this can make for individuals, families, communities and the wider economy.”