Blog, Policy hub
Setting global ambition: a new cross-party inquiry on tackling youth unemployment and inactivity
Jun 30, 25
Last month, Policy Connect and the Skills Commission announced the launch of a major Call for Evidence as part of their new inquiry. Youth Futures Foundation’s Head of Policy, Peter Wilson, explains why this inquiry matters, what it hopes to achieve, and why now is the time to take bold action to transform outcomes for young people.
Young people not earning or learning is a serious challenge in the UK and it’s getting worse. Last month, the latest ONS data revealed the number of young people not in education, employment, or training (or NEET) is close to one million – that’s 1 in 8 young people not earning or learning. Many young people have their future on hold, leading to lower lifetime earnings, higher unemployment risk, worsening mental and physical health, and greater social inequalities.
However, this is not a new problem. The NEET rate has remained stubbornly high for decades. Yet despite the long-standing nature of this challenge, public policy has consistently fallen short of the meaningful change needed.
That’s why we welcome the government’s renewed ambition to ‘eradicate’ youth unemployment, as outlined in the recent Get Britain Working White Paper. The focus on youth employment is a vital and overdue step in the right direction.
Given this renewed political momentum, we’re sponsoring a cross-party parliamentary inquiry, Earning or Learning, delivered by Policy Connect and the Skills Commission to identify long-term, evidence-based solutions. I set up the inquiry at Policy Connect before joining Youth Futures, knowing the scale of youth unemployment demanded bold action.
Now, in my new role, it’s very rewarding to work closely with my former colleagues at Policy Connect to continue driving forward this ambitious inquiry. It represents an opportunity to move beyond short-term fixes and work towards lasting change, so that every young person has the chance to earn, learn and thrive.
"Through this inquiry, we aim to build a robust case for change, grounded in data, shaped by lived experience, and focused on practical solutions that can shift the dial for young people across the country. This isn’t just about proposing ideas, it’s about delivering actionable recommendations policymakers can implement."
Peter Wilson, Youth Futures Foundation
Setting the standard for youth employment
This inquiry has a bold ambition: helping the Government develop a long-term strategy to achieve the highest youth participation rate in the OECD by 2050. Matching the Netherlands – the current leader – could add £69 billion to our economy.
It’s an ambitious goal, but a necessary one. Reaching it will require more than small-scale reforms. It demands coordinated, evidence-led action across government departments, businesses, education providers, and civil society.
Through this inquiry, we aim to build a robust case for change, grounded in data, shaped by lived experience, and focused on practical solutions that can shift the dial for young people across the country. This isn’t just about proposing ideas, it’s about delivering actionable recommendations policymakers can implement.
Tackling youth unemployment together – cross-party and cross-sector
To tackle the youth employment challenge, we need evidence-based, practical solutions that are supported across the political spectrum. Therefore, the inquiry is deliberately cross-party, co-chaired by Lauren Edwards MP (Labour), Josh Babarinde MP (Liberal Democrat), and Lord Shinkwin (Conservative). Their varied political backgrounds and extensive expertise across regional government, business, and social enterprise embody the collaborative spirit necessary for real progress.
The inquiry is supported by a diverse steering group of experts, including leading employers, educators, and specialists working with marginalised young people. Young people’s voices are also central to this inquiry. Focus groups led by Policy Connect and Youth Futures involve underrepresented and marginalised youth shaping policy solutions. Recently, the Future Voices Group co-led a focus group to explore experiences and solutions.
Participants shared challenges in transitioning from education to work and highlighted barriers to support for the most marginalised in the system. Reflecting on gaps in support one member shared that:
“…one of the biggest issues is after sixth form, unless you go to a job or university it’s quite hard to get support or find someone who can let you know what your routes are”
Ultimately, reflections shared by young people are vital. Their voices ensure the recommendations are genuinely responsive to their real-life challenges and aspirations.
Get involved in the inquiry
To create real change, we need broad input. We urge stakeholders to help us amplify the youth employment challenge by sharing evidence with the inquiry.
The Call for Evidence invites written submissions from stakeholders across the UK, and encourages respondents to share practical case studies, data, and insights on what works – and what doesn’t.
The “Earning or Learning” inquiry will explore critical areas for improving youth transitions:
- Employment support and youth hiring
- Apprenticeships and vocational training
- Early intervention for at-risk youth (pre-16)
- Tackling health barriers
- Addressing additional barriers such as SEND and caring responsibilities
- Confronting discrimination in employment, education, and training
- Devolution, data sharing, and coordinated support
The Call for Evidence is open until 12th September 2025. Stakeholders can respond by submitting to this online form.
