Comment Central: UK political comment, opinion and analysis
Beyond the first job: Why young people need a skills system that lasts
Alan Milburn’s interim review of young people and work offered a stark diagnosis: ‘there is neither a system nor a plan to increase youth participation’. With his final recommendations expected imminently, the challenge is to not simply introduce a new set of initiatives but to establish a coherent, durable system that will support young people’s transitions into meaningful employment.
Dr Emily Erickson
October 27, 2026