Britain Faces ‘Lost Generation’ Youth Jobs Crisis

One In Six Young People Could Be Out Of Work

Britain is heading towards a “lost generation” unless urgent action is taken to tackle soaring youth unemployment, a major new review has warned.

Former Labour minister Alan Milburn said the number of young people not in education, employment or training could rise to 1.25 million within five years — equivalent to one in six under-25s.

He warned Britain’s education, welfare and health systems are now “no longer fit for purpose” and are failing to prepare young people for adult life.

“We are at risk of a lost generation,” Milburn is expected to say in a speech later today.

Career Ladder ‘Out Of Reach’ For Young Workers

The report paints a bleak picture of modern Britain’s shrinking opportunities for younger workers.

Milburn warned the “first rung of the career ladder has thinned”, leaving many trapped in a vicious circle where employers demand work experience while offering fewer opportunities to gain it.

Official figures show unemployment among 16 to 24-year-olds has climbed to 16.2 percent — the highest level since 2014 and more than three times the overall national unemployment rate.

According to the latest data, nearly one million young people were classed as “Neet” between October and December last year, meaning they were not in education, employment or training.

More than half were not even actively searching for work.

Young People Blame Lack Of Opportunity

Milburn rejected suggestions that young people simply do not want to work.

His report found 84 percent of unemployed young people surveyed said they wanted a job or training opportunity.

Instead, he argued the system itself is failing them.

“This is not a failure of young people. It is a failure of a system stuck in the past,” he said.

For many, the struggle has become deeply personal.

Twenty-four-year-old Zaynah said health problems and lack of experience had left her locked out of the workforce despite applying for more than 200 jobs.

“It’s restricting me and I’m not getting jobs,” she said.

Another graduate, 23-year-old Luke, said he had applied for more than 400 jobs after studying product design at Central Saint Martins — but only received one interview.

“It’s humiliating,” he admitted. “It makes you depressed especially the amount of rejections.”

Britain Losing Traditional Starter Jobs

The review also highlighted the collapse of many lower and medium-skilled jobs that traditionally gave young people their first step into employment.

Over the past 20 years Britain has lost around 1.6 million low and medium-skilled jobs while higher-skilled positions have increased sharply.

Retail and hospitality — long seen as key entry routes into work — have also been hit hard.

Vacancies across the hospitality sector have halved in just four years.

Retail giant Next revealed it now receives almost twice as many applications per shop vacancy compared to just two years ago.

Labour Under Pressure Over Youth Unemployment

The findings pile fresh pressure on Sir Keir Starmer’s government amid growing criticism over the economy and jobs market.

Business groups argue rising employer taxes and higher minimum wages are discouraging companies from hiring younger workers.

The Confederation of British Industry described the report as exposing a “tragic waste of potential”.

Meanwhile the Conservatives accused Labour of worsening the crisis through tax rises and cuts to apprenticeship funding.

Work and Pensions Secretary Pat McFadden insisted the government was already taking action through new apprenticeship schemes, employer incentives and welfare reforms.

But Milburn warned Britain currently spends around 25 times more supporting unemployed young people through benefits than helping them into work.

His final report, which will propose solutions to the crisis, is expected later this year.

SOURCE

But Milburn warned Britain currently spends around 25 times more supporting unemployed young people through benefits than helping them into work.

Well, that's one way to get them to vote for you. Free stuff. Take away all their hope, then offer them some freebies as long as they elect your side.

Not the UK, obviously, but Bongino nailed the support for the lefty fringe: During a recent appearance on FOX News, Dan Bongino suggested that there are only two groups of people who are still Democrats. Wealthy Karens and the poor people who rely on government for handouts.

It's by design. Both sides of the Pond.

Edited May 28May 28 by impulse

25 minutes ago, impulse said:

Well, that's one way to get them to vote for you. Free stuff. Take away all their hope, then offer them some freebies as long as they elect your side.

Not the UK, obviously, but Bongino nailed the support for the lefty fringe: During a recent appearance on FOX News, Dan Bongino suggested that there are only two groups of people who are still Democrats. Wealthy Karens and the poor people who rely on government for handouts.

It's by design. Both sides of the Pond.

It’s the inevitable outcome of neoliberalism and the trickledown economics scam, both sides of the Pond.

Brains altered by smart fone s ,could be long term

They have got to increase benefits and import more low and no-skilled workers.