The CIPD is calling for an apprenticeship guarantee for all 16- to 24-year-olds, in response to new figures published alongside the Milburn Review interim report.
Today's Milburn Review interim report, published alongside new ONS figures, confirms a concerning picture. The number of young people in the UK not in education, employment or training (NEETs) has passed one million. This has been driven in part by a sharp fall in apprenticeships for 16- to 24-year-olds and a wider decline in entry-level roles.
The CIPD, cited six times in the review thanks to our public policy team’s input, is calling for stronger action from both government and employers.
With youth inactivity at this level, the CIPD is calling for an apprenticeship guarantee for all 16- to 24-year-olds. CIPD research shows nine in ten employers would support this. Half say they would offer places beyond their current provision if the guarantee were introduced. This would need backing from the UK Government and action at regional and sector level.
"Young people are desperate for an opportunity to prove themselves, but many are struggling to navigate a labour market where entry-level opportunities, work experience and structured progression routes have become harder to access."
New employment legislation may affect employers' decisions around hiring. Changes to the unfair dismissal qualifying period could make some employers more cautious about taking on younger candidates. Proposed minimum guaranteed hours for zero hours workers may also affect the flexible roles that many young people rely on to balance work and study.
The CIPD is encouraging the government to consider these impacts carefully before the measures are confirmed in secondary legislation.
How employers recruit also matters. Many continue to rely on prior experience, formal qualifications or narrow role requirements when screening candidates. Even unspoken expectations around experience can make it harder for young people to get a foothold.
The CIPD has long made the case for recruiting based on potential. Structured onboarding, early development and appropriate support for mental health and neurodiversity all help young people succeed. Smaller employers often need more guidance to put this into practice. Closer working between local government, employer groups and training providers could help.
"Without this level of ambition, there's a real risk of a lost generation of young people."
Getting more young people into good work requires action on several fronts. The CIPD is calling for greater investment in high-quality vocational and technical pathways, stronger employer involvement in course design, and a workforce strategy linked to real labour market needs.
Employers have an important role to play too. Those who invest in young talent tend to see real benefits for their business, as well as for the people they hire.
The full Milburn Review interim report is available here.
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