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Milburn Review: Interim Report
02 June 2026
Lead MP
Andrew Western
Debate Type
Ministerial Statement
Tags
EducationEmploymentBenefits & Welfare
Other Contributors: 61
At a Glance
Andrew Western raised concerns about milburn review: interim report in the House of Commons. A government minister responded. Other MPs also contributed.
How the Debate Unfolded
MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said:
Government Statement
Last week, Alan Milburn presented a report highlighting the crisis of opportunity facing young people in the UK. This is not a recent issue but one that has persisted for years. During their tenure, the number of young people not in education, employment or training rose by 250,000 under the previous government. The current Labour government has taken steps to address this crisis through initiatives such as the youth guarantee, more work experience opportunities, workplace training and apprenticeships, hiring bonuses for employers who take on young people, and subsidised employment for those out of work for over 18 months. In total, these measures aim to provide half a million new opportunities for young people. The government has also reformed welfare to remove barriers in the benefits system that trap young people and ensure they have the right to try work without fear of automatic reassessment.
Helen Whately
Con
Faversham and Mid Kent
Question
The shadow Secretary of State questions the Labour Government's response to youth unemployment. She criticises the increase in national insurance contributions, stating that this worsens employment prospects for young people and undermines the progress made by the previous Conservative government.
Minister reply
The Minister counters that during the Conservatives' last years in office, the number of NEETs increased by 250,000. He cites Alan Milburn’s report which states that the UK's NEET crisis is much more long-term and deep-seated than any decisions taken recently. The Minister emphasises that the increase in youth inactivity precedes recent changes like national insurance contributions.
Debbie Abrahams
Lab
Oldham East and Saddleworth
Question
The MP welcomes Alan Milburn’s report and highlights the adverse impact of persistent child poverty on young people's opportunities. She also stresses the importance of considering disabled individuals alongside youth in relation to employment support.
Minister reply
The Minister acknowledges his hon. Friend’s point about the Millennium Cohort Study showing that more than half of NEETs have experienced adverse and persistent child poverty over 15 years, contributing to current levels. He also agrees on the need to focus on disabled people in employment support. The Connect to Work agenda provides significant support for those with disabilities.
Steve Darling
Con
Torquay and Teignmouth
Question
Welcomes findings of Alan Milburn review but seeks clear economic plans to grow jobs for young people. Asks how the UK can develop greater connections with European partners to grow economy.
Minister reply
References Prime Minister’s intent to work closely with European colleagues, points to recently announced interventions by Secretary of State such as £3,000 grants to SMEs hiring apprentices and £2,000 for employers hiring young people on universal credit.
Johanna Baxter
Con
Dunfermline and West Fife
Question
Points out that young people are lacking opportunities rather than ambition. Questions steps the Government can take to work with Scottish Government to protect employability services and ensure apprenticeship opportunities.
Minister reply
Invites MP to write a letter setting out specific challenges, says government will raise issues on her behalf.
Peter Bedford
Lab
Walsall South
Question
References NEET crisis rising to 1.25 million over next five years if nothing is done. Questions whether the Government are reconsidering increases in national insurance and business rates.
Minister reply
Refers MP to Alan Milburn report, stating that UK’s NEET crisis pre-dates recent changes to NICs.
Damien Egan
Lab
Bristol West
Question
Asks about organised work experience placements for schoolchildren to level the playing field.
Minister reply
Announces commitment from government to reform work experience, ensuring that every pupil has access to two weeks of varied workplace experiences.
John Milne
Con
East Lothian
Question
Welcomes Government’s youth guarantee scheme but asks why it cannot kick in earlier than 18 months.
Minister reply
Explains that range of interventions begin at two weeks, including employment and skills review, weekly appointments focusing on personal support barriers to work.
Jim McMahon
Lab
Oldham West and Royton
Question
Highlights drop in apprenticeship starts since levy was brought in. Asks if public sector employers must advertise positions at point when young people leave school.
Minister reply
Agrees on power of devolution but notes government’s revised target for technical education and higher education.
Oliver Dowden
Con
Hertsmere
Question
Raises concern about Employment Rights Act 796 reducing period for dismissal without fault from two to six months.
Minister reply
Affirms faith in young people and maintains commitment to level up rights in workplace.
Meg Hillier
Lab
Hackney South and Shoreditch
Question
Welcomes Alan Milburn’s report, suggests testing initiatives with local charities for higher success rates.
Minister reply
Agrees on importance of working with partners and proposes Hackney as pilot site.
Munira Wilson
Lib Dem
Carshalton and Wallington
Question
Alan Milburn’s report highlights the risk to young people at FE colleges due to unfunded places. The Education Secretary promised increased funding but local colleges are seeing a 0.55% increase, which is a real-terms cut. How does the Minister explain this?
Minister reply
The 16-to-19 funding rate has seen a 0.55% increase, but in the academic year 2026-27, there will be an overall rise of 1.66%, meeting inflation as promised in the White Paper.
Anna Dixon
Con
Bury St Edmunds
Question
Does the Minister agree that early information on alternative qualifications and pathways can help young people fulfil their potential, particularly for those who are neurodiverse?
Minister reply
The Minister agrees and welcomes ideas to extend knowledge of such alternatives.
Bob Blackman
Con
Harrow East
Question
How can the Government encourage employers to take on young people by addressing issues like national insurance, non-domestic rates, and the new Employment Rights Act?
Minister reply
The Minister highlights financial incentives for hiring those who have been on universal credit for six months and small businesses taking on apprentices under 25.
Jo White
Con
Oldham East and Saddleworth
Question
Does the Minister agree that resolving youth unemployment requires working with partners beyond the DWP to offer a range of interventions?
Minister reply
The Minister agrees, emphasising holistic approaches across Government and outside sectors.
Suella Fernandes
Con
Fareham
Question
How can we overhaul vocational training and correct the focus on university to ensure young people are not scammed by higher education?
Minister reply
The Minister acknowledges that 50% of young people should not be targeted for university, but supports a new target where 66% are in higher education or apprenticeships.
Rachael Maskell
Lab
York Central
Question
How can the Minister ensure early intervention and support for children with mental health challenges to prepare them for work?
Minister reply
The Minister agrees that early intervention in schools is crucial, supporting more mental health practitioners and interventions as part of special educational needs reforms.
Damian Hinds
Con
East Hampshire
Question
Does increasing employment costs come at the expense of jobs? Do probation periods affect hiring of young people?
Minister reply
The Minister agrees that incentives are needed to hire young people, highlighting measures taken and supporting workers' rights under the Employment Rights Act.
Clive Efford
Lab
Eltham
Question
Is root-and-branch reform necessary to end NEETs after Tory austerity and reduced funding for services like Sure Start?
Minister reply
The Minister agrees that the previous Government caused damage, stressing the need for comprehensive reform which this Government is committed to delivering.
Vikki Slade
Lab
Wolverhampton South West
Question
Should funding be provided ahead of time for further education rather than waiting until NEETs have been out of work for 18 months?
Minister reply
The Minister highlights a range of interventions including £2.5 billion for the youth guarantee and pivoting funding to younger apprenticeships.
Andrew Ranger
Lab
Blyth Valley
Question
How can we move to a system that recognises young people's desire to find work and adopts a participation approach?
Minister reply
The Minister supports tailored support for young people, working with employers to get those not in education, employment or training down.
Julian Lewis
Con
New Forest East
Question
In reference to mental health issues among NEET young people, does the Minister agree that further research and analysis need to be done on why so many young people are more anxious and unable to cope?
Minister reply
The Department of Health and Social Care is undertaking a review of mental health provision. The 40% increase in young people citing mental health conditions as a driver for their not being in employment, education or training (NEET) status is concerning. Early intervention through mental health support in schools is important.
Stella Creasy
Lab
Walthamstow
Question
What discussions has the Minister had across Government about ensuring early years education and restoring child trust funds for every child?
Minister reply
The loss of Sure Start is a tragedy, but family hubs are being reintroduced. The issue of school readiness links to NEET status at 16 or 17. Work experience opportunities will be revolutionised to ensure they level the playing field.
Kirsty Blackman
SNP
Aberdeen North
Question
What plans does the Minister have for ensuring that young people are involved in writing policy through co-production?
Minister reply
The Secretary of State will look at recommendations from reviews, including on co-production. The Milburn review is awaited to see what it recommends.
Polly Billington
Con
Thanet
Question
Will the Minister commit to a coastal and place-based dimension to plans for turning around this moral and economic crisis?
Minister reply
Place-based interventions are important. Challenges facing coastal towns, such as poor connectivity and transport links, will be addressed with bespoke solutions.
Greg Smith
Con
Mid Buckinghamshire
Question
Does the Minister accept that the overall impact of taxation is impacting businesses’ ability to take on new apprentices and young people?
Minister reply
Under-21s do not pay national insurance. A range of incentives have been put in place for under-25s seeking apprenticeships with SMEs and for young people who have been on universal credit.
Emma Lewell-Buck
Lab
South Shields
Question
What will the Minister do to support hospitality businesses, specifically looking at reforming business rates?
Minister reply
Business rates are a question for the Treasury. The Government is looking at interventions through youth guarantee and other schemes providing opportunities for young people.
Chichester
Question
Will the Minister lay out what he will do to support hospitality businesses so that they can offer first job opportunities?
Minister reply
The Government is looking at interventions through youth guarantee and other schemes providing opportunities for young people, including work experience.
Chris Webb
Con
Blackpool South
Question
Can the Minister set out his plans to address the lack of opportunity in Blackpool?
Minister reply
The Minister congratulates the MP on the work he does through jobs fairs and suggests meeting to discuss it further.
James Wild
Con
North West Norfolk
Question
Will the Minister listen to the recommendation in paragraph 268 of the Milburn report and lift costs on employers?
Minister reply
The UK’s NEET crisis is long-term and deep-seated. The Government awaits recommendations from the review and stands ready to act.
Maya Ellis
Con
Bristol North West
Question
Does the Minister agree that encouraging entrepreneurship among young people needs to be a significant part of the solution?
Minister reply
The Secretary of State is interested in increasing support available to self-employed people of all ages.
Question
Many young people get their first job on the checkouts. The boss of Next, Lord Wolfson, said that two years ago Next received 10 applications for every job vacancy, but that number has since risen to 19 applications per vacancy. He also noted retailers have stripped out jobs at checkouts. Does the Minister accept that retailers also have a responsibility to create opportunities for young people?
Minister reply
I do accept that and acknowledge our work with Charlie Mayfield. We recently appointed Marc Bolland as the lead non-executive director in the Department to work in partnership with retail to deliver more job opportunities for young people.
Question
The proportion of young people aged 16 to 24 who are NEET in south-east Wales is 13.2%. Does my hon. Friend agree that tackling the increase in NEETs has to be a central mission for this Labour Government?
Minister reply
Absolutely, and it involves not just this Department but also Education, Health and all other Departments.
Tim Farron
Lib Dem
Westmorland and Lonsdale
Question
Given the vast number of graduate and entry level jobs being lost to AI, is it time for us to demonstrate that we have agency? Is it not time we built our economy and technologies around people rather than building people around technologies with a lost generation of young people?
Minister reply
The causes of NEETs are deeper than the advent of jobs being lost to AI. However, the hon. Member makes an important point about the impact of AI on the labour market.
Toby Perkins
Lab
Chesterfield
Question
Only around 5% of young people with an education, health and care plan end up in permanent employment. Supported internships are a good way to support these young people but we need more funding for them. What will the Minister do to boost supported internships and support those young people with EHC plans?
Minister reply
My hon. Friend raises an important point. We need to work creatively and holistically with colleagues in the Department for Education and elsewhere to make sure there is an opportunity for all young people to find employment.
Question
Artificial intelligence is ripping apart the social contract of working hard and getting ahead. Young people do not understand their relationship with the state now. How would the Minister describe the new deal with young people?
Minister reply
The current deal is that we will give young people opportunities after the Conservative party did not, providing them with education, employment or training opportunities.
Question
Will the Minister join me in congratulating those who are ending their five-year electromechanical engineering degree-level apprenticeships? What is this Government doing to ensure people can earn and learn through gold-standard apprenticeships?
Minister reply
I extend my congratulations. I hope he will pass on these congratulations directly. As for what we are doing, there has been a significant increase in funding for the growth and skills levy.
Question
The APPG published an inquiry which found that 40,000 young adult carers are providing more than 50 hours of care a week. What can be done to change the eligibility rules for carer’s allowance so that students studying for over 21 hours a week are eligible?
Minister reply
The hon. Lady will be aware that carer’s allowance is intended to offset lost income elsewhere, and students do receive finance from various sources. I have not seen that report, but would be grateful if she could send it.
Question
The Government have announced a number of measures to support our young people. Can the Minister outline what can be done to bring together the national youth strategy, the Young Futures programme, the youth guarantee, youth hubs, health and education to ensure that our response is joined up?
Minister reply
This must be treated as a whole-system problem right across Government, working with both public and private sector partners. We are looking at it holistically.
Question
The Minister is touting jobs, hiring bonuses, youth guarantees, but these treat the symptoms of the problem. The problems are structural ones in the economy to do with investment, taxation and regulation. Is there anyone on the Government Benches who understands how an economy works?
Minister reply
If he wishes to have a debate on why young people not in education, employment or training are struggling as they are, he would do well to look at his party’s legacy in government between 2010 and 2015.
Question
My hon. Friend has committed to cross-departmental working. Can the Government consider how to support those currently impacted as well as those at risk of leaving education, employment or training?
Minister reply
I hope Alan Milburn will propose a range of interventions looking not only at how we help people now but fixing this problem for the long term.
Question
Last week I met young entrepreneurs who are already terrified about the long-term viability of their business. When are the Government going to start listening to those who actually employ people?
Minister reply
We have the Mayfield review, a former chief executive of Marks & Spencer as a lead non-executive director at the Department and we talk to businesses all the time.
Question
Given the work Alan Milburn will do, can the Minister set out how the UK Government will use their powers to address those challenges in Wales?
Minister reply
I am due to meet the new employment spokesperson for the Welsh Government as the devolution lead for the Department and I will be very interested to hear their ideas.
Question
When 84% of young people are classified as NEET—or LEET, because they are all looking for education or training—can the Minister set out how the UK Government will use their powers to address those challenges in Wales?
Minister reply
I am due to meet the new employment spokesperson for the Welsh Government as the devolution lead for the Department and I will look to work with them if credible solutions come forward.
Question
We must not forget that hundreds of thousands of NEET young people are disconnected from traditional employment support, and hidden from the system entirely as a result. With youth workers and trusted adult relationships offering the missing link to help identify and bridge those young people into support, how will we put those relationships at the heart of the systems change that is needed to meet that challenge?
Minister reply
My hon. Friend raises an important point about hidden NEETs who are living with their parents or not claiming benefits. We are looking across the piece and particularly talking with the Department for Education about interventions we can bring forward, and I will update him as soon as I can.
Question
Every week I meet young people with energy and ambition whose hopes are at risk of being crushed by a lack of opportunity. What are the Government doing to make it easier and cheaper for local family businesses to take on apprentices?
Minister reply
We are introducing a new financial incentive to support SMEs to hire young people under the age of 25 as apprentices, providing that the earnings are below £50,000.
Question
Does the Minister agree that we need a complete cultural change in our schools to give equivalence of practical skills to academic pursuits?
Minister reply
I agree with my hon. Friend. He is correct to say that we must make it easier for people to unlock technical as well as other forms of education, in support of the Prime Minister’s target of getting two thirds of young people into either an apprenticeship or higher education.
Question
We say we are going to listen to young people, but one young person recently said that they should be labelled as LEETs, not NEETs, because they are looking for education, employment and training. Does the Minister agree that we must rethink pathways into work, invest in new models of education, and provide a stronger safety net so that technological changes create opportunities, not exclusion?
Minister reply
I agree with the hon. Gentleman and that is what we are seeking to do, not least with the youth guarantee.
Question
In Medway we have identified 240 NEETs as part of our local authority review. They have suggested that part of the solution is increasing the capacity of further education colleges so that people can be streamlined from school straight into college, as opposed to having to wait. Does the Minister agree that more investment in further education is a solution to this problem?
Minister reply
That is one of a range of potential solutions, and I agree that it is an important one.
Question
Milburn highlights the need for cross-departmental working that the Minister has highlighted, but what structures are in place for that?
Minister reply
I hope the hon. Gentleman appreciates that Milburn reported on Thursday, and recommendations from that report will not come for several months, but this is an important point and we will need a structure in place.
Question
Dudley has one of the highest levels of NEETs in the country. What guarantees will my hon. Friend provide to ensure that places such as Dudley are prioritised, and the root causes of inequality are tackled holistically?
Minister reply
I can assure my hon. Friend that we are absolutely committed to delivering a holistic intervention ensuring all areas see progress, particularly targeting those where this issue is greatest.
Jim Shannon
DUP
Strangford
Question
What steps can the Minister take with education Ministers and the voluntary sector to train our children from a young age that working hard at any level is something to be proud of, and not working if they are able to is not a choice anyone should profit from?
Minister reply
I am reluctant to respond in the strongest terms because it is the hon. Member for Strangford who has made the point, but young people want opportunities, and it is a failure of the state and system.
Question
The Milburn report identifies a state failure to provide timely and appropriate mental health support. Will the Minister have a conversation with colleagues in the Department of Health and Social Care to supplement the jobs guarantee with a mental health support guarantee?
Minister reply
I will raise that with the Department of Health and Social Care and come back to my hon. Friend.
Kerry McCarthy
Lab
Bristol East
Question
We have excellent alternative learning providers in Bristol, from the Enemy of Boredom Academy, which is about developing video games, to the Wheels Project, which is about stripping down cars and rebuilding them. Will the Government look at supporting ALPs so that young people can be set back on the right path towards a job?
Minister reply
We are still waiting for recommendations but I will feed in my hon. Friend’s suggestion because it is a good one.
Question
One legacy of the previous Government was that it is easier to keep disabled people on an education, health and care plan until they are 25 because there is no adequate support to get them into work. Does my hon. Friend agree that any reforms need a cross-departmental approach to support disabled young people into work?
Minister reply
I agree with my hon. Friend: sometimes this can feel like a vicious circle for young people with disabilities, and we must ensure that we get this right.
Question
My generation and the generation after me have been systematically failed. The scale of the NEETs crisis is not because of young people but due to a widespread problem across education, health and welfare system. May I welcome the report, praise the work of jobcentre staff in Castlemilk and invite the Minister to come to a jobs fair for young people that we are hosting later this year?
Minister reply
I join my hon. Friend in his praise for local jobcentre staff. He knows that I would never refuse him, and I look forward to that visit.
Question
Earlier, the condition of anxiety was downplayed, and we must accept it can be absolutely debilitating. To solve problems presented in the Milburn report, silos within Government need to be broken down, and work with devolved Governments is necessary.
Minister reply
As I said in response to an earlier question about conversations with the Welsh Government, I am due to meet my Scottish counterpart next week. Such conversations take place regularly and routinely.
Question
I recently visited the jobcentre in Bournemouth town centre with my right hon. Friend the Minister for Employment, and we saw the great work it is doing to build skills and confidence in young people through work experience with organisations such as the National Trust. Will the Minister please tell us how young people in my constituency will benefit from that?
Minister reply
Youth hubs are an incredible way for specialists to reach out and work with young people through a range of different interventions, providing a single space from which we can drill down and target individual needs.
Question
In my constituency, major Government-funded infrastructure projects are providing strong opportunities for young people, including skills training, permanent jobs and careers. Does the Minister agree that as we renew our homes, bridges, crossings, railways and infrastructure, we have to maximise the opportunities for young people?
Minister reply
I absolutely agree. That is significant Government investment presenting a significant opportunity to do just as my hon. Friend suggests.
Question
The report identifies the importance of the home learning environment, recognising that children grow up in rich relationships with parents and secure attachments matter. As chair of the all-party parliamentary group on family hubs, I am pleased about the Government’s investment in family hubs. With new guidance, does the Minister agree this should lead to doubling down on plans for successful rollout?
Minister reply
I agree, but my hon. Friend will understand that the Department for Education leads on family hubs.
Question
The majority of young people not in employment, education or training in West Dunbartonshire want a job or training but are not getting support. Does the Minister agree that youth hubs like the one opening this month in West Dunbartonshire could tackle youth employment challenges? Will he visit the youth hub in West Dunbartonshire?
Minister reply
Yes, I will take that in at the same time as a day out in Scotland.
Shadow Comment
Helen Whately
Shadow Comment
The Conservative Party criticises Labour's handling of youth employment, noting that while Alan Milburn’s report provides a serious analysis of the issue, it does not offer concrete solutions. The number of NEETs soared to 17% under Labour's previous stint in government and only improved after the Conservatives took office, reducing the rate to less than 10%. However, progress was undermined by the pandemic. Helen Whately argues that Labour’s policies, including increased taxes and red tape for businesses, have worsened the situation rather than improving it. She calls for a focus on creating jobs, backing businesses, cutting taxes, reducing regulations, and reforming welfare to support young people.
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