Youth Unemployment 2026-01-28

Siddiq questions the opposition's claims by pointing out that the trend of rising youth unemployment started when Labour was in power, challenging why the Conservatives did not address it then.

Stuart supports Whately’s argument, citing UKHospitality's warning about the impact of Labour policies on summer jobs for young people. He criticises Labour for threatening to destroy these opportunities.

McIntyre challenges Whately’s claim about national insurance contributions affecting youth employment, questioning the specifics of when such contributions start impacting young workers under 21.

Morton discusses local statistics showing higher than average youth unemployment in her constituency and reiterates that Labour policies are making it harder for businesses to hire young people.

Mr Coyle questions Ms Whately's stance on the youth job guarantee, noting that such initiatives are in stark contrast to Labour's previous inaction regarding employment opportunities.

Dame Johnson acknowledges past failures but highlights the Government's commitment to youth employment, citing over £1.5 billion investment over three years through various programmes designed to support young people in earning or learning.

Mr Stuart challenges Dame Johnson’s portrayal of the previous government's record, arguing that youth unemployment decreased under Conservative leadership over a longer period before the pandemic.

Transport is a significant barrier to employment and training for young people in North Norfolk. Poor rural public transport traps local youth in unemployment, and the Conservatives should apologise for the state of public transport left by their previous government.

Young people face numerous barriers to accessing education and employment due to mismanagement by the last Conservative Government. The links between education and employment have weakened over time, resulting in fewer entry-level jobs for recent graduates.

Career advice in schools was decimated under the Conservatives, pushing young people to the margins of society. Additionally, apprenticeships were neglected in favour of academic routes, leaving many without proper training opportunities.

The lack of entry-level job opportunities for graduates entering a crowded and competitive market has resulted in many having to return home after university with no prospect of securing employment. This is exacerbated by fears that artificial intelligence will replace professional jobs, making the skills young people are learning obsolete.

Over 257,000 Brits have emigrated, with 70% under 35 years old. This brain drain is not reflected in official youth unemployment figures, suggesting the actual situation may be worse due to government policy changes.

The lack of a strategy for young people threatened by automation and limited alternatives for upskilling are concerning issues. The apprenticeship pathway is restricted, and businesses report that the current levy system does not work effectively.

In Northern Ireland, youth unemployment is at 7.3%, significantly lower than the UK average of over 15%. Success stories like reducing youth unemployment for young Protestant males should be emulated in other regions.

Constructive solutions from regions with success, such as Northern Ireland, need to be explored. The Liberal Democrats advocate for reforming the current system by guaranteeing apprenticeships are paid at least minimum wage and expanding vocational training opportunities.

Organisations like Sound Communities in Torbay provide essential support to young people facing significant barriers to employment, such as trauma. Long-term funding is needed to ensure these individuals can secure stable jobs and futures.

The surprise increase in employer national insurance contributions has significantly damaged business cash flow, discouraging hiring of young people. The hospitality sector, a primary source for youth employment, needs urgent support to remain viable.

Increases in operating costs are preventing businesses from taking on young employees and supporting supervisory roles necessary for their development. The Scottish Government's failure to provide adequate business rate relief is exacerbating the situation.

While the government has made some progress with pub rates, broader reform of the business rates system is needed. The hospitality sector requires urgent help through VAT reductions and other measures to support young people's employment prospects.

Calls for understanding the structural causes of youth unemployment and welcomes the Alan Milburn review. Supports the Government's approach with a focus on opportunity, mentioning specific challenges faced by young people in Norfolk such as poor transport infrastructure and mental health issues. Welcomes programmes like youth hubs, training opportunities, jobs guarantee, and preventive tools to identify at-risk young people.

Highlights the increase in youth unemployment rates and expresses concern about its implications for young people's futures. Discusses historical trends in youth unemployment and compares them with other European countries, emphasising the importance of liberalized labour markets. Criticises the Employment Rights Act 2025 for discouraging new workers and highlights the role of zero-hours contracts.

Supports visibility for employees and criticises underestimation of insecure work's impact, citing a brother who had to drive before knowing if he would work that day. Argues the debate is about real people’s lives.

Praises Labour for turning around the Conservative legacy affecting young people, including Brexit and pandemic management. Mentions positive economic indicators under Labour, investment in skills, and support through schemes like the jobs guarantee (£820 million). Highlights youth rights to guaranteed shifts and day one paternity leave.

While acknowledging the current rise in youth unemployment, Dr Arthur argues that it was already rising when Labour came into power. He asserts that blaming the Government for all of these issues is inaccurate.

Kirkham acknowledges that youth unemployment statistics are concerning but criticises the Conservative Party's approach to taxation and employment rights legislation as detrimental to job creation for young people.

Khan highlights the long-term damage caused by 14 years of Conservative government, including cuts to youth services and apprenticeships. She praises Labour's initiatives such as the youth guarantee and investment in vocational education.

Chamberlain expresses concern over rural agricultural colleges moving courses online, which limits opportunities for young people to learn practical skills and receive support. She supports further and vocational education as crucial alternatives.

The unemployment rate for 16-24 year-olds is 15.9%, affecting 700,000 people and 946,000 NEETs, with a 14.6% increase in youth unemployment under the Labour Government. Businesses are struggling due to tax rises, energy costs, and bureaucracy, reducing opportunities for young people. The speaker urges focusing on business support rather than work programmes.

The Member shares personal experience of unemployment during lockdown and highlights the importance of work for mental health and social contribution. He praises Harlow College's NEET programme, emphasising early intervention and collaboration with schools to reduce youth unemployment.

Young people in Leicester want basic opportunities for work and earning; however, current policies make it harder for businesses to take risks. The speaker criticises the Government's underestimation of employer responses to rising costs, leading to fewer entry-level job opportunities.

Hundreds of thousands of young people fell out of work under the Conservatives' watch. In Banbury, there are deep pockets of deprivation where youth unemployment is an issue. Labour supports programmes to get people into work and is providing a jobs guarantee.

Training young people in construction trades is futile if opportunities have gone due to fiscal policies leading to job losses in hospitality and construction sectors. Businesses cannot afford rates, inputs, and electricity costs, causing closures and layoffs.

Young people are ambitious and want the dignity of work, not welfare dependency. Labour's record on youth unemployment between 1997-2010 showed an increase from 14% to 20%, highlighting the need for better policies.

Challenged the right hon. Gentleman's point about youth unemployment in 2010, noting that it was due to a global financial crisis and austerity measures rather than socialist governance.

Responding to Dr Arthur’s challenge, Mr. Stuart argued that despite the economic downturn in 2010, youth unemployment remained persistently high under Labour's rule and countered that 'austerity' means living within one's means, which they failed to do.

As an ex-employment lawyer with experience in running a business, Ms. Kirkham defended the introduction of the minimum wage for young people, stating that while it has been eroded over time, there is still a significant pay gap between younger and older workers.

Continued his argument against Labour’s policies on youth employment, highlighting the adverse impact of increasing business costs and proposing Conservative solutions such as abolishing business rates for certain sectors to encourage hiring young people.

Joined the debate by emphasising that the number of NEETs is at its highest level in over a decade. Criticised Labour's approach to welfare spending and argued for creating incentives for young people to take on job risks instead.

Cocking argues against high taxation on jobs, emphasising that it discourages businesses from hiring. He suggests inviting local business leaders into schools to provide practical guidance and advocates for a curriculum overhaul focusing on skills relevant to the job market such as marketing, economics, and law.

Kirkham responds positively to Cocking's comments about youth employment targets but criticises his focus on immediate action over policy development.

Bedford highlights the rising youth unemployment, NEET levels, and housing affordability issues affecting young people. He argues that Conservative policies support aspiration, personal freedom, and opportunity, in contrast to what he perceives as Labour's lack of understanding of these values.

Baldwin acknowledges the importance of addressing youth unemployment but criticises the government for not creating jobs in the private sector. She emphasises the need to support businesses and create opportunities through deregulation.

She questions the proportion of benefits claimants who are under the age of 24 in her constituency, highlighting that 25% of people on unemployment benefit fall into this category.

He argues against reducing minimum wage for young people and emphasises the importance of equal pay regardless of age. He questions the impact of such policies on job opportunities for young workers.

He challenges Dame Harriett Baldwin's proposal to reduce minimum wage, asking how much reduction is needed to strike a balance between pay and employment prospects. He emphasises the need for answers from Labour members regarding policy challenges.

Asked the Minister to commit that his Government will bring youth unemployment back below the level inherited from Labour. Stressed the previous Labour Governments' failure in increasing youth unemployment.

Defended Labour's interventions such as the youth guarantee and increased investment, pointed out that youth unemployment rose by 4% during the Conservatives’ last two years. Criticised the Conservative legacy of leaving high youth unemployment.

Highlighted the NEET number left behind by Labour, criticised the youth employment rate being second highest in the G7.

Asked about AI's impact on workforce and criticised defunding of level 7 apprenticeships. Criticised the national insurance increase and Liberal Democrats' lack of credible funding alternatives.

Critiqued the Opposition's lack of a plan for youth unemployment, pointing out that the Conservative party has no clear stance on the national minimum wage level. Emphasised government policies including £1.5 billion investment and youth guarantee measures.

Asked about the future of centrist ideas within the Conservatives, implying that their current direction is moving away from centrism.

Expressed concern over welfare bill increase and youth unemployment but criticised the Labour party for lacking a plan to address these issues. Referred to past Conservative policies as being responsible for many of today's problems.