The UK government is launching an independent review into the high number of 16-24 year olds out of education or work which has been rising in recent years and is approaching one million.
Former Labour Health Secretary Alan Milburn will lead the inquiry into “Neets” – the acronym for young people who are not in education, employment or training.
Some young people cite long-term sickness or disability as a reason why they are out of work and the number claiming health and disability benefits is rising too.
The government is examining ways of cutting the long-term costs of youth inactivity and getting young people off benefits and into work as the current benefits system is unsustainable.
According to the Department of Work and Pensions, the number of young people claiming UC Health and Employment Support Allowance has risen by more than 50% over the past five years.
About 80% of young people on the UC Health element currently cite mental health reasons or a neurodevelopmental condition.
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