Morning, Thursday, 29th April 2027
Online
This conference will consider next steps for youth employment and improving pathways into work in the UK.
Milburn Review, youth employment policy & rising NEET numbers
The planned agenda will examine approaches to reducing youth unemployment and economic inactivity, considering findings and recommendations of the Milburn Review, implications of the Youth Guarantee and wider measures to support young people into work. Areas for discussion include the roles of employers, public services, and local partners in effective transitions into sustainable employment for young people.
It will bring together stakeholders and policymakers to assess priorities for improving young people’s participation in education, training and employment, following the interim findings of the Milburn Review, as well as the expected final report, the Government’s response and priorities for related welfare reform. Implementation of the Youth Guarantee will also be considered, including the Jobs Guarantee, and other measures to strengthen employment support.
Delegates will discuss underlying factors relating to the increase in the number of NEET young people, approaches to increasing the availability of suitable entry-level opportunities, and priorities for addressing gaps in support, including for young people with disabilities and long-term health conditions.
Employment support, the Jobs and Careers Service & local delivery
The conference will consider early experience of national rollout of the Jobs Guarantee, implementation of the Youth Jobs Grant, the development of the Jobs and Careers Service in England, and the expansion of Youth Hubs. Delegates will assess approaches to coordinating employment, education, skills and health support - including the roles of local authorities, education providers and service delivery partners - and more effectively reaching young people who are disengaged from existing services or outside the benefits system.
Employer participation, apprenticeships & transitions into sustainable work
Further discussion will examine the outlook for entry-level recruitment, employer incentives and the practical requirements of providing suitable opportunities for young people. Delegates will consider the contribution of apprenticeships, vocational education, careers guidance and work experience. This also includes approaches to improving access to employment, supporting retention and progression, and addressing barriers faced by young people with different circumstances and needs.
Overview of areas for discussion
- policy priorities:
- Milburn Review and next steps following its recommendations - welfare reform and incentives within the benefits system - Youth Guarantee and wider employment reform
- coordination across government - assessing outcomes and priorities for further action
- employment support:
- implementation of the Jobs Guarantee and Youth Jobs Grant - eligibility, access and take-up - Youth Guarantee Gateway - Jobs and Careers Service
- support for young people outside the benefits system
- local delivery:
- learning from the Youth Guarantee Trailblazers - Youth Hubs and Jobs Fairs - local leadership and accountability
- coordination of employment, education, skills and health services - data sharing and early identification of young people at risk of becoming NEET
- employer engagement:
- entry-level opportunities - employment costs, minimum wage rates and hiring incentives - SME participation - workplace support, retention and progression
- education & training:
- apprenticeships and vocational pathways - foundation apprenticeships and the Growth and Skills Levy - careers guidance and work experience - responding to local labour market needs
- health & disability:
- mental health and economic inactivity - early intervention and the role of health services - transitions for young people with SEND - tailored and supported employment - reasonable adjustments
- access and outcomes:
- reaching disadvantaged and disengaged young people - financial and practical barriers - young people’s experiences - evidence of effectiveness and priorities for improvement
