‘It is a Catastrophe’ – The Man Battling to Stem Rising Youth Unemployment
This is a story of lost lives, states Alan Milburn, a former New Labour minister, as he stands at the front door of his childhood home in Benwell, Newcastle. Milburn is revisiting his roots while conducting a government review aimed at addressing the alarming rise in youth unemployment, particularly among those categorized as Neets—those not in education, employment, or training.
The Youth Unemployment Crisis
– Nearly 1 million individuals aged 16 to 24 fall into the Neet category, marking the highest level in over a decade.
– More than 50% of these young people are deemed economically inactive, indicating they are not actively seeking work.
– Milburn emphasizes that the north-east of England is one of the hardest-hit regions, describing it as at the sharp end of the youth unemployment crisis. He reflects, It is a social catastrophe, an economic catastrophe, and a political catastrophe.
Milburn’s connection to the issue is deeply personal. “I grew up in this area and I know what life is like here. It was 50 years ago, and you never forget how difficult it is for people to seize the opportunities I once had.”
The Perception of Neets
Around the corner from his childhood home lies Patchwork, a local youth project Milburn actively supports. Senior youth worker Karl Maughan Gilbert critiques the term Neet, labeling it horrible and laden with negative implications. It suggests a choice where there truly isn’t one, he asserts. He advocates for a shift in perspective, urging society to address systemic issues rather than assigning blame to individuals.
A Shift from Unemployment to Detachment
Milburn expresses alarm over a growing trend: the number of economically inactive young people. This is no longer just a problem of youth unemployment; it’s a problem of youth detachment, he warns. He identifies an ineffective school curriculum, a mental health crisis, and a dynamic job market as factors creating a perfect storm for today’s youth.
Jordan Thompson, 20, and Morgan Hogarth, 18, recently emerged from this storm. Both now work as leisure assistants at the Newcastle United Foundation, credits they attribute to their newfound direction. However, they highlight that their education left them with low aspirations and minimal practical experience, a situation exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic.
“A lot of people my age have lost critical years for developing life skills,” Thompson explains. He adds, “I didn’t even know how to communicate effectively after being online for two years.” Hogarth reflects, “I didn’t choose to spend three years stuck behind a screen, but that was my reality.”
Challenges Post-Pandemic
The pandemic fundamentally altered their formative years. Social media played a crucial role in shaping their perspective. Thompson notes, “You scroll through and see others excelling, like driving a nicer car, and think, ‘Why can’t I do that?’ But it’s unrealistic to expect those results without learning the necessary steps first.”
In addition to unrealistic expectations, both young men emphasize their schools’ failure to prepare them for practical life skills. “I can calculate angles, but I can’t even navigate applying for jobs or understanding my taxes,” Thompson laments.
The Education System’s Role
Milburn shares their concerns regarding educational preparedness for future employment. “We must ask if our education system is equipping young people for the future. The answer is likely no.” He notes that many employers feel young graduates aren’t “work ready” due to a curriculum that emphasizes qualifications over essential skills needed in a rapidly changing job market.
Looking ahead, he warns, “As technology evolves, we must adapt our curriculum accordingly.”
Government proposals aimed at reforming education will be unveiled shortly, and Milburn stresses the need for alignment with employers’ requirements. He acknowledges the challenges posed by recent policies that increase costs for hiring young individuals while urging a balance of risk and reward in the employment landscape.
A Comprehensive Solutions Approach
Milburn asserts that while the welfare system may perpetuate cycles of worklessness, it is only part of a broader issue: “This is a systems failure encompassing schools, mental health services, and employment support.” He encourages a proactive approach to helping young people rather than imposing restrictions based on mental health conditions.
Seeking Political Will for Change
As Milburn formulates his recommendations, he acknowledges the complicated political landscape. “I’m facing a prime minister with weakened authority, and many within the Labour Party are hesitant about significant reforms,” he reflects. However, he remains committed to ensuring that his review will be comprehensive, engaging with other parties to foster bipartisan support.
Back at the Newcastle Football Foundation, Thompson and Hogarth have a clear message for policymakers: “Put yourself in our shoes,” Thompson emphasizes. “You sit comfortably in stable jobs, earning more than we ever will. Yet, if you faced our reality six months ago, feeling lost and without prospects, how would you react?”
Conclusion
The battle against rising youth unemployment is urgent and multidimensional. With nearly 1 million young individuals at stake, addressing these concerns will require not just policies but understanding and empathy. As Milburn synthesizes his findings, the hope remains that his far-reaching proposals can bring meaningful changes to the lives of future generations, ensuring that steep obstacles do not define their journeys.