Leaders sound alarm over ‘lost generation’

North East skills and business leaders have warned of the long-term risks facing young people after a new report highlighted a growing “lost generation” of those outside work and education.

Tania Cooper MBE, chair of the North East STEM Foundation, and Rachel Anderson, assistant director of policy at the North East Chamber of Commerce, have both responded to Alan Milburn’s latest review into rising levels of young people classed as NEET – not in employment, education or training.

The report found more than one million 16 to 24-year-olds across the UK are now classed as NEET, the highest figure in 12 years, and warned that one in six young people could be outside work or education within five years without urgent intervention.

The review rejected suggestions that younger generations lack resilience or ambition, instead pointing to a shortage of opportunities, declining entry-level roles, fewer apprenticeships and growing mental health pressures.

Tania Cooper said investment in STEM education, outreach programmes and early engagement with employers would be vital in helping prevent more young people from becoming disconnected from education and employment opportunities.

She also stressed the importance of collaboration between schools, colleges, businesses, charities and government to create clearer pathways into work.

Tania said: “These findings will resonate strongly here in the North East, where too many young people still face barriers to opportunity despite having enormous talent and potential.

“For many, it isn’t a lack of ambition or willingness to work hard; it’s lack of access to the right support, resources, career pathways and opportunities.”

She added: “The North East has always had strong industrial roots, incredible innovation and highly skilled sectors, particularly within STEM industries. 

“But we need to ensure young people can see a future for themselves within those industries and are given the opportunity to succeed.

“If we don’t invest in young people now, particularly in regions like the North East, we risk losing a generation of talent that could help drive future innovation, economic growth and social mobility.”

“But if we provide the right support, encouragement and opportunities, young people in the North East can play a leading role in shaping the industries and workforce of the future.”

Rachel echoed those concerns, adding that businesses across the North East were becoming increasingly worried about the challenges facing younger people and the long-term impact this could have on the region’s future workforce and economy.

She added: “The Milburn Review highlights the urgent challenge of young people falling out of employment, education and training – an issue that businesses across the North East are already feeling through ongoing skills shortages.

“The findings reflect what employers across the region have consistently told us through our Local Skills Improvement Plans, which can help shape the solution to these problems. 

“Without coordinated action, there is a real risk of long-term impacts on both opportunity and inclusive economic growth.

“We welcome the focus on practical solutions that connect young people with the skills and jobs employers need. 

“We are calling for more accessible training pathways, stronger careers support and a skills system that is shaped around local labour market demand – measures we outline in our Unlocking the North East Economy policy plan.

“Businesses want to create opportunities for local young people, but rising employment costs and wider economic pressures are making recruitment and training more challenging. 

“Government must work in partnership with employers to reduce barriers and give businesses the confidence to invest in the next generation talent. 

“Solutions must be locally led and nationally supported.”

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