Burnham warns of Neets-fuelled 'economic catastrophe and moral failure'
The British Broadcasting Corporation reports that Prime Minister Andy Burnham has raised alarms about the UK's youth employment crisis, describing it as a "moral failure" and an "economic catastrophe."
In his opinion piece in the Times, Burnham argues for a shift in government priorities, emphasizing the need to "invest in the success of our young people" instead of solely relying on the benefits system. He proposes a new approach where benefits serve as a "backstop" rather than the primary support for unemployed youth.
The government is expected to unveil plans for providing thousands of job opportunities for young people later this week, despite the Conservative Party's criticism of the current youth employment strategy as a "disaster."
According to the Office for National Statistics, there are nearly a million 16-to-24-year-olds in the UK who are not in education, employment, or training (Neets). Burnham attributes this issue to various factors, including the impact of Covid lockdowns, social media's negative effects, an education system focused on university, limited job market opportunities, and previous government failures.
He suggests a change in the welfare system's approach, shifting from benefit entitlement to supporting young people's ambitions and providing the necessary skills and job opportunities.
Ministers are introducing initiatives, including youth apprenticeships and placements in various sectors, to combat the Neet crisis. However, Julia Lopez, the Shadow Business and Trade Secretary, criticizes Labour's handling of youth jobs, blaming their tax hikes and red tape for hindering business growth and job creation for young people.