This week NYA has written to Alan Milburn as Chair of the Independent Report into Young People and Work to urge him to consider the role of youth workers in supporting young people who are not in education, employment or training.
The Government commissioned report was announced by the Department for Work and Pensions and will address the growing number of young people Not in Education, Employment or Training (NEET).
Recent research by the Youth Futures Foundation identifies trusted adult relationships – often provided by professional youth workers – as the missing link in youth employment strategies. According to the National Youth Sector Census Snapshot Report (Summer 2025), 45% of youth organisations offer targeted employment and skills support, with demand up 52% in the past year.
Youth work remains under-recognised in NEET policy and practice. Particularly for young people with special educational needs and disabilities, youth workers provide vital capacity and expertise and are able to advocate on their behalf in order to support key life transitions and address many of the additional and complex barriers to employment that they often face.
The report expects to publish in Spring / Summer 2026.
