Young NEETs must fill gaps left by exiting migrants, says Cabinet Minister
Young people who are not in education, employment or training (NEET) need to replace gaps left by migrants exiting the United Kingdom, according to Welfare Secretary Pat McFadden, reports BritPanorama.
The number of NEETs is approaching one million, with the latest figures indicating a total of 957,000 young people aged 16 to 24 not engaged in these essential activities. This figure has increased by 36,000 since Labour assumed power in 2025.
During a recent visit to the Leyland Trucks factory in Lancashire, McFadden emphasized the urgent need to train more local talent due to significant drops in net migration, which fell to 204,000 in the year ending June 2025, from a high of 944,000 in 2023. He stated, “We cannot afford as a country to have almost a million young people not contributing economically.”
To address this issue, he highlighted plans to enhance the apprenticeship system aimed at equipping young people with the necessary skills for employment. McFadden urged employers to consider the benefits of investing in the local workforce, saying, “We’ve been saying for years, why don’t we train more of our own people?” His comments underscore the government’s commitment to fostering domestic talent amid changing immigration dynamics.
While McFadden supported the need for training young people, he also acknowledged challenges posed by economic conditions. Business leaders cite increased employer National Insurance contributions as a deterrent to hiring young workers, impacting overall employment rates.
In response, Shadow Work and Pensions Secretary Helen Whately criticized the government’s policy direction, arguing that “the Government is killing opportunities for the next generation.” Meanwhile, the government’s jobs tsar, Alan Milburn, suggested that young adults living rent-free with parents might lessen their motivation to enter the job market.
The growing NEET numbers coupled with declining migration raise vital questions about workforce sustainability and economic growth in the UK, demanding immediate action to leverage the potential of the younger generation.
This deepening concern represents a significant policy challenge for the current government, reflecting broader economic pressures and the evolving labour landscape.
