Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

NEET: Young People 2025-09-01 (1)

Monday 1 September 2025 · 2 questions

Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Answered 1 Partly answered 1 Not answered 0

Key points

  • Mr Bayo Alaba inquired about steps to ensure support for young people from disadvantaged backgrounds reaches those who need it most.
  • David Burton-Sampson planned to host a youth day featuring Chisola Chitambala, an apprenticeship coach.
  • The Minister agreed that early interventions are important and highlighted the benefits of qualifications, work experience, and health support for young people.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Bayo Alaba Ind Southend East and Rochford
Employment Benefits & Welfare Mental Health
Context

The MP is concerned about the high likelihood of NEET status for young people from disadvantaged backgrounds in Southend East and Rochford.

Question

Young people across the UK who are not in education, employment or training are more than twice as likely to come from disadvantaged backgrounds. What steps is the Minister taking to ensure that support reaches those who need it most?

Answer from The Minister for Employment (Alison McGovern)

In everything we do in the Department for Work and Pensions, we are trying to close the gap between those who have suffered disadvantage and those who have not. Young people, especially those who have experienced poverty, are vulnerable to mental ill health, and the pandemic generation deserve more support to get chances that they have missed. That is why we have a joint work and health unit with the Department of Health and Social Care. We also have many agreements across Whitehall relating to our net zero mission, as well as our investment in defence, to help employers recruit the next generation, whatever their background.

Partly answered
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Q2 David Burton-Sampson Lab Southend West and Leigh
Education Employment
Context

The MP is organizing a youth day in Southend West and Leigh featuring Chisola Chitambala, a local star from 'The Apprentice', to provide early intervention for young people.

Question

In Southend West and Leigh, I will soon host a youth day, featuring local star of “The Apprentice” Chisola Chitambala, who is now an apprenticeship coach, among other things. Does the Minister agree that early interventions, like this youth day, are really important to prevent young people from becoming another NEET statistic?

Answer from The Minister for Employment (Alison McGovern)

I agree with my hon. Friend, and congratulate him on his youth day and the work he is doing on this kind of early intervention. The data clearly show that if people get qualifications, some work experience, and support for their health and support with other factors in life, that is very protective against being without work, education or training. We have to give a second chance to those who need one, and take steps to prevent people from being in that situation in the first place.

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