Alan Milburn proposes scaling up supported internships for UK youth

Alan Milburn, leading a government review into youth employment in the UK, is expected to propose “turbocharging” supported internships for young people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND). The review aims to address the rising number of young people classified as Not in Employment, Education, or Training (NEET), which has reached a 10-year high of nearly 1 million individuals aged 16 to 24.

Data indicates that while only 5% of certain groups of young people with learning disabilities or neurodevelopmental conditions move into permanent jobs, employment rates can rise to 70% for those who complete supported internship schemes. Milburn has characterized the current joblessness rates among these groups as a “moral crisis” and an economic sustainability issue, arguing that the problem stems from a lack of opportunities and support rather than a lack of effort from young people.

In response to the proposed review, the advocacy group Contact welcomed the call for more internships but cautioned that expanding opportunities must not result in the removal of financial support for those with the most significant disabilities. They emphasized the need to maintain a strong financial safety net for individuals whose disabilities may make paid employment unrealistic.