Former Labour health secretary Alan Milburn will lead a review focused on the relationship between mental health issues, disability, and youth unemployment in Britain. This review comes in response to a significant concern regarding rising inactivity among young people. Currently, nearly one million individuals aged 16 to 24 are categorized as not in education, employment, or training (commonly referred to as Neets). Milburn’s review aims to explore strategies to prevent more young people from becoming Neets, with findings expected to be published this summer.
The government’s decision to initiate this review follows another report by former John Lewis head Charlie Mayfield, which highlighted that young adults aged 16 to 34 are particularly affected by an economic inactivity crisis. Mayfield’s review noted a substantial increase—about 190,000—of 16- to 34-year-olds who are economically inactive due to long-term mental health conditions between 2019 and 2024.
Despite multiple reviews and reports addressing the youth unemployment problem, successive UK governments, both Conservative and Labour, have struggled to effectively reduce the number of Neets. In response to the ongoing crisis, Chancellor Rachel Reeves is expected to introduce funding for a “youth guarantee” in this month’s budget. This initiative aims to ensure guaranteed paid work for eligible young individuals who have been on Universal Credit for 18 months without securing employment or accessing training.
The Department for Work and Pensions noted that Milburn’s review will generate practical recommendations to support young people with health conditions in accessing training, work, or education. It is intended to complement the ongoing Timms review, which assesses the personal independence payment for individuals with physical and mental disabilities.
Milburn, who served as health secretary from 1999 to 2003, will focus on identifying shortcomings in employment support services and proposing changes aimed at improving opportunities for young people.
Source: https://www.theguardian.com/society/2025/nov/09/milburn-review-mental-health-disability-youth-unemployment