Milburn Report highlights impact of disability on opportunities for young people – BDF responds
Business Disability Forum (BDF) has welcomed the Milburn Review interim report (28 May) and particularly its findings showing the impact of disability and long-term health conditions on young people looking to enter training and work.
Figures in the report show that the number of young people, aged 16 to 24, not in education, employment or training (NEETs) has hit almost one million – the highest level since 2020. The report also shows the high instances of disability and long-term conditions, such as mental ill health, amongst this group of young people. Diane Lightfoot, CEO of BDF, said:
“Every young person should have the opportunity to work if they can and want to. The education, welfare and health care systems have prevented young people – and particularly young disabled people and young people with long-term conditions – from being prepared for finding work or training, and from knowing the range of opportunities that may suit them. Equipping young people to work is not only an economic necessity, but it is also a moral imperative that the UK has to our young people. Equally, the jobs must be there for young people to take up.
“We are pleased to see this first Milburn Review report move beyond employability issues to consider both the labour market and employer demand as causes of the huge increase in young people not in education, employment or training. Looking into early experiences of young people as ‘drivers’ and root causes of unemployment is refreshing. Employment policy that recognises people’s early life experiences as key determinants of future job opportunities are vital.
“The report acknowledges that both lost confidence and lost opportunities are long running and structural issues. We welcome the recognition that young people themselves are not ‘the problem’ but that there are rising levels of distress, anxiety and ill health in this demographic.
“Apprenticeships and Saturday jobs have largely disappeared. Employers in the report say that young people are overwhelmingly not ready for the workplace and aren’t being prepared with the soft skills like communication, collaboration, agility and adaptability they need and this chimes with what we hear from our Members. Those aged 16 – 24 have faced a combination of disruptive conditions: a pandemic during formative life stages, fluctuating education delivery, cost of living pressures, housing insecurity, and an increasingly precarious job market. For disabled young people and those with long-term conditions, these issues have been magnified.
“We cannot afford to write off a whole generation of young people and nor should we. Systemic barriers need to be removed, and more tailored support needs to be available to meet the specific needs and experiences of this generation when it comes to accessing training and work.”