28 November 2025
Independent report commissioned into NEET disabled young people
The former Health Secretary, Alan Milburn, will lead a new Independent Report into Young People and Work on behalf of the Department for Work and Pensions. The work will examine the drivers of rising NEET rates among young people, economic inactivity among disabled young people and those with long term health conditions, and make recommendations for future policy.
The investigation was announced as figures show one in eight young people are NEET, with mental health cited as a significant driver, and nearly doubling since 2013/14.
The Terms of Reference for the investigation outlines two phases of work. The discovery phase will run until spring 2026 and will diagnose the rise in NEET young people who are disabled or with a long-term health condition. Then the solution phase aims to identify areas for reform and will conclude with a final report in summer 2026.
The Terms of reference don’t suggest there will be a public consultation, but rather that Alan Milburn will liaise with experts, employers and those with lived experience.
Read the Terms of Reference for the investigation.
The investigation was announced as figures show one in eight young people are NEET, with mental health cited as a significant driver, and nearly doubling since 2013/14.
The Terms of Reference for the investigation outlines two phases of work. The discovery phase will run until spring 2026 and will diagnose the rise in NEET young people who are disabled or with a long-term health condition. Then the solution phase aims to identify areas for reform and will conclude with a final report in summer 2026.
The Terms of reference don’t suggest there will be a public consultation, but rather that Alan Milburn will liaise with experts, employers and those with lived experience.
Read the Terms of Reference for the investigation.
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