Patrick Hurley joins Labour MPs calling for a 'NEET ZERO' ambition to tackle youth unemployment
Patrick Hurley, MP for Southport and the Northern Parishes, has joined fellow Labour MPs in calling on the Government to adopt a bold ambition of achieving "NEET Zero" following the publication of a major review into youth unemployment.
The review, led by former Secretary of State for Health Alan Milburn and commissioned by Pat McFadden, found that almost one million young people aged 16 to 24 across the UK are currently not in education, employment or training (NEET).
The report concluded that no single factor was responsible for the rise in youth inactivity. Instead, it highlighted a combination of challenges, including worsening mental health, the long-term effects of the Covid-19 pandemic, growing inequality, and a lack of opportunities available to many young people.
The economic and social costs are significant. The review estimates that youth inactivity costs the UK economy around £125 billion each year, while young people who remain disconnected from education and employment can face lifetime earnings losses of around £300,000.
The call from Labour MPs comes as the Government launches a major programme to help more young people into work and training, including a £1.5 billion investment through the Youth Guarantee and new apprenticeship opportunities for up to 50,000 young people.
Patrick Hurley, MP for Southport and the Northern Parishes, said: "This review rightly puts to bed the myth that today's young people are somehow unwilling to work or contribute. The overwhelming majority want the chance to build a future for themselves, but too many are being held back by barriers beyond their control.
"The social contract with many young people has been weakened over the last decade. We have a moral responsibility to ensure every young person has access to the opportunities, skills and support they need to succeed.
"If we fail to act, we risk creating a lost generation. If we get this right, we can unlock the potential of hundreds of thousands of young people across the country, including here in Southport and the Northern Parishes."
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