Generation at risk of lives left unfulfilled due to ill health

Responding to Alan Milburn’s interim report findings published today, Sam Atwell, Policy and Research Manager at the Health Foundation, said:

'Today’s report from Alan Milburn offers a devastating but clear-eyed account of how ill health, inadequate support and a lack of opportunities are holding back over a million young people from work and education. This story of lives left unfulfilled adds to a growing array of evidence about the human and economic toll taken by the UK’s worsening health.

'The report sets out how poor health combines with a range of interrelated factors including reduced work opportunities, pressures on schools and the structure of the welfare system to drive young people away from work and education.

'Figures show nearly half of NEET young people (44%) said in 2025 that poor health was a barrier to work, up from 26% in 2015. In our new analysis published today, we find that over the same period the share of young people who are NEET because of mental health conditions has substantially increased. This reflects growing awareness of mental ill health, rising levels of distress among young people and, in recent years, young people with mental health conditions becoming more likely to be NEET.

'The higher share of NEET young people reporting ill health makes tackling the issue all the more urgent. More young people reporting health barriers signals that policymakers face an even greater challenge in connecting them to the workplace or study. Without addressing these barriers more young people could be locked out of opportunities in the future, with even greater long-term costs to their health and incomes. 

'The Milburn review’s final report this autumn must set out how earlier intervention and practical support can help prevent ill health from developing in the first place. Alongside this should be more active support for young people to get back into learning and employment, particularly those with health barriers. This will require coordinated action across government, as well as cooperation from schools and colleges, the health and welfare systems, and employers.'

Ends

Notes to Editors

Office for National Statistics (ONS), published 28 May 2026, ONS website, statistical bulletin, Young people not in education, employment or training (NEET), UK, May 2026 

Media contact

Billie Morgan 
Billie.Morgan@health.org.uk
020 7257 8001