All primary schools in England will be required to identify children at risk of leaving education at 16 without a job, according to a new government review led by Labour grandee Alan Milburn. The move comes under Prime Minister Andy Burnham's administration, which is tackling the rising number of young people not in education, employment, or training (NEET).
Milburn's review targets early intervention
In an update released on Friday, three months after his interim report, Milburn said primary schools will now have a statutory duty to spot pupils who may struggle to find work after leaving school. The aim is to intervene early, preventing young people from falling through the cracks and becoming NEET.
Speaking to the Guardian, Milburn stressed the need for accountability: "The government needed to make somebody responsible for identifying and supporting the children who risked becoming NEET." He added, "We've got to get upstream because what we're doing is we're paying – this country, and young people – are paying the price of failure."
Reaction from political figures
When Milburn's initial report was published in May, former Prime Minister Keir Starmer called it "sobering" and pledged to work with Milburn on further action. The new requirement is part of a broader strategy to reduce the number of NEETs, which has become a pressing issue for the government.
However, the policy has drawn criticism from opposition parties. Shadow work and pensions secretary Helen Whately, from the Conservatives, accused Labour of making it "harder for a young person to take their first step into work." Liberal Democrat Treasury spokesperson Daisy Cooper echoed this, saying her party had "repeatedly warned that Labour's jobs tax would hammer job opportunities for young people and that their business rates hikes would kill off high street job opportunities."
Government defends approach
Work and pensions secretary Pat McFadden welcomed the review, stating, "We know there is more to do. I will work across government and with employers, charities and young people to drive real change, so more young people are earning or learning, not left behind." He added, "I look forward to working with Alan as he brings forward his final recommendations later this year."
The new primary school requirement is expected to be rolled out across England in the coming academic year, with training and resources provided to teachers to help them identify at-risk children. This forms part of a wider government push to tackle youth unemployment and ensure every young person has a clear path into work or further education.
