British Chambers of Commerce flags youth NEET risk and rising business costs

The British Chambers of Commerce (BCC) welcomed the interim Milburn Review, saying its findings should be a "wake‑up call" for policymakers. The review highlights a growing crisis of young people not in education, employment or training (NEET), warning that without urgent, comprehensive action an entire generation could be cut loose from society and economic growth may be hampered. BCC urged the government to implement a Jobs Guarantee, expand early careers education, increase Level‑2 training routes and cut employer costs, stressing that businesses face skills shortages while high employment costs force many to reduce recruitment and training.

Separately, BCC leaders responded to the Chancellor’s recent fiscal measures, praising the fuel‑duty freeze and temporary VAT cut but stressing that business costs remain a major concern. They noted that 73% of firms cite labour costs and 52% cite energy costs as price drivers, and called for additional support for the chemicals and ceramics sectors and further action on the hospitality and tourism levy. The chamber warned that low business confidence and rising costs threaten investment and productivity, calling for long‑term measures to raise productivity and ease the cost of living and doing business.