18 December 2025 Statement on Alan Milburn investigation into the root causes of youth inactivity

Responding to the launch of Alan Milburn's investigation into young people not earning or learning on Tuesday 16 December, Jenni Anderson, Chief Executive at The Talent Foundry, said:

“At The Talent Foundry, we welcome the Government’s investigation into the growing number of young people not in education, employment, or training. With almost one million young people currently NEET, this is not only a social injustice but a national crisis that risks wasting talent and potential on an unprecedented scale.

Our purpose is to spark ambition and unlock opportunity for young people living in under-served communities, to build their skills and confidence, connect them to leading UK employers and improve social mobility. We know first-hand that the barriers facing young people are complex, from health and wellbeing challenges to systemic educational inequalities, and that tackling them requires a joined-up approach across schools, employers, government, and organisations such as ours.

We particularly welcome the emphasis on listening to young people themselves. Their voices must be central to shaping solutions that are practical, inclusive, and sustainable. Every young person deserves the chance to learn, to choose a future that is right for them and prosper, irrespective of their postcode or socioeconomic background.

The Talent Foundry stands ready to contribute evidence to this inquiry and calls upon our partners and other organisations working in this space to share their insights before the 30 January deadline.”