Chancellor calls for young workers to fill vacancies left by migrants
Chancellor John Healey has stated that young people in the UK should be positioned to occupy jobs left vacant by departing migrants, underscoring the urgent need to address youth unemployment. Healey emphasized that the one million individuals aged 16 to 24 who are neither earning nor learning represent a significant loss of potential, reports BritPanorama.
Current statistics indicate that there are over a million 16 to 24-year-olds categorized as Neets — not in education, employment, or training. When questioned about the role these young individuals should play in addressing workforce shortages amid government efforts to curb illegal immigration, Healey affirmed, “100 per cent.”
He criticized the previous approach, stating, “For too long this country has made that easy trade-off [filling job vacancies with migrant workers].” Healey remarked that the influx of migrants had spiked under Boris Johnson’s administration, suggesting that successive Conservative governments had failed to manage border control effectively.
In advocating for a balanced migration system, Healey asserted the importance of training and employing British youngsters to fill available roles. He noted that net migration reached 944,000 in the year to March 2023, but fell to 171,000 by December 2025, highlighting a significant decrease.
Amid these discussions, Job czar Alan Milburn is leading an independent review into youth inactivity, which he warns could result in a “lost generation” if decisive actions are not taken. An interim report has already been produced, with final findings expected in the autumn. Milburn has indicated that business leaders attribute the rising minimum wage as an obstacle to hiring young workers, alongside issues related to increasing National Insurance contributions and complex employment regulations.
Labour Mayor Andy Burnham has voiced his commitment to reducing the number of Neets, also stating that it’s unfair to place blame on youth when the educational framework does not adequately prepare them for the workforce. The Prime Minister has commented on the need for foundational elements, such as work experience and placements, to support young people’s transition into employment.
In conclusion, the emphasis on employing young people to fill gaps in the workforce highlights a dual challenge: addressing immediate labor shortages while also investing in the future potential of the nation’s youth.
