In May, the first part of Milburn’s report, which was commissioned by the government, said the reasons for the rise in rates among men were “complex”, but could be down to more health issues, the “erosion of traditional employment routes” and “a growing gap in educational outcomes”.
He also said the “Neet problem is grounded in social disadvantage” and highlighted higher rates among certain groups, including young people who:
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have grown up in poverty
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have special educational needs or disabilities (SEND)
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don’t have a GCSE-level qualification
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are Black, African and Caribbean
The report warned that one in six young people would be out of work in five years without action, adding: “We are at risk of a lost generation.”
It said young jobseekers were submitting dozens, sometimes hundreds of applications, but rejections had become the norm.
Last week, analysis by the found that competition for degree apprenticeships in England through the government’s “find an apprenticeship” service, for example, had quadrupled over the past three years.
The second, and final, instalment of Milburn’s report – including recommendations for how to tackle the problems – is expected in the coming weeks.
Additional reporting by Kate McGough, Erica Witherington, Rahib Khan and Miguel Roca-Terry