Youth Futures Foundation responds to the Spring Statement 2025

Youth Futures Foundation CEO, Barry Fletcher, responds to the Spring Statement 2025:

“Today’s Spring Statement underscores the difficult choices Government must make ahead of finalising departmental spending allocations in June.

“We welcome the Chancellor’s emphasis of the importance in addressing the barriers that are keeping nearly one million young people out of education, employment or training across the UK – a figure expected to increase without urgent action.

“Rising youth unemployment and inactivity are among the most pressing challenges facing the Government. Failure to act will leave long-term scarring effects on young people and undermine the Government’s growth ambitions. Matching the participation rate of the Netherlands would realise a £69bn boost to the UK economy – providing vital funding for future public services.

“Interventions, such as the £1bn increase in employment support and the expansion of construction sector apprenticeships, are welcome. Their successful implementation, alongside the Youth Guarantee, will be vital if we are to address this challenge.

“As the What Works Centre for Youth Employment, we will continue to work closely with Government, employers, and providers to ensure any changes meet the needs of young people and prevent further exclusion from the labour market.”