Milburn warns Neets crisis will take a decade and billions of pounds to be solved: ‘No such thing as a free lunch’

Alan Milburn says tackling youth unemployment will take a decade and billions of pounds, as he prepares to publish recommendations on young people not in employment, education or training. He argues that sustained investment is needed to reduce welfare reliance and help young people into work, training or employment support.

His proposals are expected to include a legal guarantee of support, while some young people may receive less financial help under a reformed system. Milburn said the UK has about one million 16 to 24-year-olds who are not in education, employment or training, and warned that blunt benefit cuts could shift costs elsewhere in government. Work and Pensions Secretary Pat McFadden confirmed some people will receive less after reassessment.