Sharon Hodgson MP: Labour’s plan to reduce unemployment and empower the next generation

Last week the Milburn review, which investigated what fundamental changes are needed on a systematic level to support young people into work, was published. This report exists against a backdrop of the current Government having inherited nearly a million young people not in employment, education or training (NEET). This had increased by 250,000 prior to the General Election, something that the previous Conservative Government did not do anything about.

Alan Milburn was therefore commissioned by the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions to provide an understanding into why this record unemployment among 16-24-year-olds exists, so we can confront this issue head-on and give young people the start in life they deserve.

The Prime Minister has described the report as “sobering” – it found that 84% of NEET young people want a job or to be in training but are not getting the support they need in order to achieve this.

It further highlighted that 6 in 10 young people who are NEET today have never had a job. This is up from 4 in 10 in 2005. These aren’t just numbers or statistics: behind each number is a young person being held back, not due to a lack of effort or care, but because of a lack of opportunity which is stifling young talent and potential. This is a moral crisis.

We also know that this problem disproportionately impacts those from disadvantaged backgrounds and communities. For example, young people in the North East are more likely to be NEET.

A firm principle of this Labour government has consistently been that no matter your background, you should be able to go as far as your talent and hard work can take you. I firmly believe that where you grew up or what you have experienced should never hinder what you can go on to achieve with hard work, dedication and passion.

Because while every young person is uniquely different, every single one of them has something to offer society. This value must lay at the heart of our response to such a shocking report so that young people in our communities will no longer see their ability go to waste.

We are wasting no time in responding to this crisis. I was proud that, last week, we unveiled 300,000 work placements and training places for young people. These will be backed by some of Britain’s biggest employers. The Milburn Review identified a lack of work experience as a key barrier to work amongst young people.

Without connections or pre-existing networks, young people are bound to struggle to find work placements without support and the huge numbers we have seen last week show what happens when this problem is ignored. This will make a real difference.

We must act now and this policy is a fantastic start. With more work placements and training places, young people can get the headstart they need to approach job opportunities with the confidence, experience and connections to get on and thrive.