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Burnham backs sweeping overhaul of support for young people
Andy Burnham says the government wants to make “quite radical change” to how young people are supported, combining more help with work, training and mental health with possible tougher benefit rules. He argues that support should be reconsidered from early childhood onwards, as leaving young adults without hope or a clear path is harmful to them and society.
A second report by former minister Alan Milburn, expected this month, is due to propose ways to reduce the number of young people not in work, education or training and may recommend limiting benefits for those who refuse to engage. The review’s first report said about one in eight young people, or 1 million, were not working or in training, citing structural factors including inequality, labour-market changes and mental health. Burnham said spending on support may need to rise first and some funds may be reprioritised, while the overall benefits bill could fall over time.
In short
- Burnham backs major changes to support for young people.
- Plans may combine more help with stricter benefit rules.
- One million young people are not working or in training.
Steelman: both sides, in good faith
The strongest fair case each way — we don't pick a winner.
The case for
A broad package of early, sustained help with education, training, employment and mental health could give young people clearer routes into adult life and address barriers linked to inequality and changes in the labour market. Supporters could argue that investing more now, alongside expectations that people engage with help, may improve wellbeing and participation while reducing long-term costs.
The case against
Tying benefits to engagement could leave young people with less income when they are already facing mental-health difficulties, unstable work or other obstacles to taking part. Critics could argue that the causes are structural and that restricting support risks deepening hardship without creating suitable jobs or services; they may also question whether reprioritising funds can provide adequate help.
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Originally published by The Guardian as “Burnham aims for ‘quite radical change’ in support for young people”.