Labour’s head of the Department for Work and Pensions has issued a stark warning, labeling the increasing number of young people not engaged in work, education, or training as a matter of “national emergency.” Secretary Pat McFadden pointed fingers at the Conservative party for their failure to address this issue, which has been escalating since 2021.
Recent statistics from the end of the previous year revealed that approximately 946,000 individuals aged 16-24 were categorized as NEET (not in employment, education, or training) between July and September 2025, representing over 12% of all young adults in that age group.
McFadden emphasized the necessity for every young person to have equal opportunities for success, underscoring the long-standing neglect in providing adequate support and opportunities. He stressed that the persistent rise in youth inactivity, unaddressed by the previous administration, has enduring negative effects and demands urgent national attention.
In response to this crisis, the government has initiated applications for the Job Guarantee scheme in designated areas, including Birmingham & Solihull and Greater Manchester, aiming to offer subsidized job placements to 55,000 individuals aged 18-21 who have been on Universal Credit for 18 months.
The Department for Work and Pensions has cautioned that those who do not engage with the support provided may face benefit sanctions without valid reasons, with plans for a nationwide rollout later in the year. Notably, over 60 prominent employers such as Tesco and JD Sports have committed to participating in the Job Guarantee scheme by providing job opportunities.
Additionally, an independent investigation led by Labour veteran and former Health Secretary Alan Milburn has been set up to reduce the number of young people not involved in work, education, or training. The final report is expected to be released in the summer.
During a session of Prime Minister’s Questions, Deputy Prime Minister David Lammy criticized the Conservative government’s track record, highlighting the issue of a significant portion of young people not engaged in productive activities upon their departure from office.