London – The British state should create and subsidise paid jobs for thousands of disabled young people as part of an “opportunity revolution” aimed at reversing years of labour market discrimination, the Milburn review of youth employment will recommend.
The review, led by former Labour minister Alan Milburn, is expected to call for the introduction of flexible employment schemes, wage subsidies and enhanced skills support to help disabled and chronically ill 16–24-year-olds overcome barriers to entering the workforce.
Key takeaways
- The review is expected to call for flexible jobs and wage subsidies.
- Disabled young people face disproportionate barriers to employment.
- Employers may be encouraged to adopt disability employment targets.
This comes amid one million young people currently not in education, employment or training (NEET). Almost half (45%) are disabled or in ill health, making them three times more likely to be NEET than their non-disabled peers.
Sheila Flavell, Chief Operating Officer at FDM Group, said: “With around one million young NEETs across the UK, tackling youth unemployment should be a government priority. Giving young people a clear pathway into employment is crucial as they are the future of the workforce, as well as the UK economy.”
“Giving young people a clear pathway into employment is crucial as they are the future of the workforce, as well as the UK economy.”
Sheila Flavell, Chief Operating Officer, FDM Group
Among the recommendations are Danish-style ‘flexi-jobs’, allowing young people to work hours suited to their individual circumstances, alongside ‘job carving’ to break traditional roles into smaller responsibilities better matched to individual capabilities.
The review is also expected to encourage large employers to adopt voluntary disability employment targets and expand supported internships, specialist job matching and workplace adjustments.
Milburn has warned that failing to address youth disengagement from employment risks creating a ‘lost generation’, arguing that government and employers must work together to provide more accessible routes into meaningful employment.
