Burnham Calls UK Youth Employment and Training Crisis a ‘Moral Failure’

British Prime Minister Andy Burnham has described the country’s youth employment and training crisis as an “economic catastrophe and moral failure”, warning that nearly one million young people aged 16 to 24 are not in education, employment or training.

Writing in The Times, Burnham said the government must invest in helping young people build successful careers instead of relying on welfare payments without providing adequate support to help them find work. He argued that the current system often assesses people, provides benefits and leaves them without the skills or opportunities needed to become financially independent.

Burnham attributed the growing crisis to several factors, including cuts to youth services, inadequate mental health support, the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, social media pressures and an education system that places greater emphasis on university than technical training. He also pointed to a job market that does not provide enough opportunities for young people entering employment.

As part of his proposed response, Burnham said every young person should have access to a clear route into employment, including technical education, apprenticeships, work placements and practical skills training. He also promised better access to mental health services, arguing that young people should receive support early rather than face long waits for treatment.

The prime minister said the welfare system should continue protecting people who cannot work, but argued that those who could work with appropriate assistance should receive the support needed to secure employment. Under his proposed approach, benefits would become a safety net rather than the starting point for helping young people who are struggling.

The government is also looking to businesses to help expand employment opportunities. According to Burnham, the retail sector has pledged 100,000 new jobs for young people, while the hospitality sector has committed to providing another 100,000 paid jobs. Further measures aimed at expanding apprenticeships and work placements are expected as ministers seek to tackle youth unemployment.

However, the government’s approach has attracted criticism from opposition politicians. The Conservatives have argued that Labour’s policies have made it harder for businesses to recruit and create jobs. Meanwhile, former health secretary Alan Milburn, who is leading a review of young people and work, has argued that more funding should be directed towards employment support, even if this requires changes to welfare spending. His review is expected to be published next month.

The latest figures underline the scale of the challenge, with an estimated 981,000 people aged 16 to 24 classified as not in education, employment or training between April and June 2026  approximately one in eight people in that age group. Burnham has called for a coordinated national effort to reverse the trend, saying young people need practical opportunities and support to build their futures.