Labour's blueprint for getting Neets into work 'could cost £6billion a year'

Detailed summary

Former Labour Cabinet minister Alan Milburn will finally publish his plans next week for dealing with the one million 'Neets' who are not in education, employment or training.

Published: 23:58 GMT, 11 November 2026 | Updated: 23:58 GMT, 11 November 2026

Labour's blueprint for tackling the youth unemployment crisis could cost the taxpayer £6billion a year, a report warned on Wednesday.

Former Labour Cabinet minister Alan Milburn will finally publish his plans next week for dealing with the one million 'Neets' who are not in education, employment or training.

The review is central to Andy Burnham's claim the Government can rein in the runaway welfare bill 'in a Labour way'.

But the PM admitted last week the reforms would require 'investment up front'.

The Resolution Foundation suggested on Wednesday the cost of implementing Mr Milburn's plans could top £6billion.

The organisation, known as Labour's favourite think-tank, said the Prime Minister would have to 'show us the money' to achieve results.

Former Labour Cabinet minister Alan Milburn (pictured speaking to students in Newcastle in October) will finally publish his plans next on how to deal with the one million 'Neets' not in education, emplloyment or training

Mr Milburn's interim report highlighted figures suggesting the state spends 25 times more on benefits for young people than it does in trying to help them into a job. One study found that ratio is 50 times in some cities, such as Liverpool.

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