The UK government has published its interim Young People and Work Report (commonly referred to as the ‘Milburn Review’) which examined the challenges young people are experiencing with the UK’s job market.
Austerity, the Covid-19 pandemic, and the rise of social media are among the challenges young people have faced in recent years, contributing to disproportionately high levels of poor mental health. The Milburn Review rightfully acknowledges that the UK is not effectively supporting this generation into work, with catastrophic consequences.
Course correction must include a cross-society effort to empower young people and employers with the opportunities and skills needed to build a thriving workforce. Young people have a huge amount to give, and we need a system that harnesses the full benefits of work, financially, socially and for their mental health. This requires sustained, coordinated investment across education, skills, health services, welfare, and the labour market. The review correctly underscores that prevention is more effective and more cost-efficient than crisis intervention, yet this is not reflected in how support is currently delivered.
The UK government must also resist any move towards a punitive welfare system, which shames or disincentivises young people in work. Pushing young people who are too unwell to work into financial hardship will worsen their mental health, while failing to adequately support a return to work can be equally damaging.
There are three key principles the reform agenda must reflect. First, participation in work should be recognised as a core outcome across health, education, and employment systems; poor mental health should not be a barrier to working. Second, support should be based on individual need and ability, not diagnosis alone. Third, timing is critical: early, practical, work-focused support can reduce absence, while prolonged disengagement makes returning to work harder and is linked to poorer mental health outcomes.
Young people are ready and eager to contribute, and they deserve a system that does not fail them.