The Milburn Review on Young People and Work: Interim Report was published on 28 May, bringing the spotlight back onto young people not in employment, education or training.
UK Youth’s CEO, Rosie Ferguson responded to the publication of the interim report:
“The Milburn Review has highlighted a stark reality for today’s young people, one that many in the youth sector have been aware of for some time. Too many young people are facing a combination of unemployment, poor mental health, lack of opportunity and reduced access to trusted support at a critical stage in their lives.
We were pleased to have the opportunity to submit evidence and welcome the Review’s recognition of the importance of early preventative support, the value of youth work, and the difference that relationship-based approaches can make to help young people progress into education, vocational training and employment pathways.
The challenges highlighted by the Review need systemic solutions and new ways of thinking across education, the welfare system and employers. However, the evidence is clear that youth work also has a critical role to play.
Youth workers are a vital part of the solution, providing trusted, long-term support for young people, often those furthest from the labour market, as they navigate the world of work. At a time of significant pressure on public services and welfare spending, investment in prevention and early support is not only socially important, but economically necessary.
UK Youth’s Summer Jobs Programme demonstrates how a preventative, cost-effective approach can help young people develop the skills and confidence they need to transition to sustainable employment. In its first two years, the programme connected 800 young people with 250 local employers for placements, resulting in significant improvements in confidence, maturity and transferrable skills.
Alongside this, outdoor learning youth work consistently shows strong results in helping young people build the social, emotional and life skills needed for employment. UK Youth’s delivery of the Government’s Adventures Away from Home programme highlights how this approach can have a transformative impact on young people from under-represented backgrounds, strengthening their resilience and increasing future chances of success in the workplace.
Ultimately, we know that investment in prevention of sustained unemployment is more effective, and cost-effective, than responding once young people have already fallen out of education or employment.
Alongside sustainable investment, we must also embed youth workers as essential delivery partners within Government employment support programmes, such as the Youth Guarantee and Young Futures Programme. This will help young people not just find work, but begin a journey into employment that is meaningful, sustainable and supportive of long-term progression.
Addressing youth unemployment requires a coordinated, cross-sector approach. Government, employers, educators and the youth sector all have a role to play, and only by working together can we create the opportunities, support and pathways that young people need to thrive. This includes recognising youth work as a core part of the country’s employment and opportunity infrastructure, rather than an optional add-on.
UK Youth looks forward to the publication of the Review’s full report later this year and will continuing to ensure the voices of young people and youth workers are heard in this ongoing conversation around improving future employment outcomes for young people.”
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