DWP ad hoc research report no. 138
A report of research carried out by Ipsos on behalf of the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP). Views expressed in this report are not necessarily those of the Department for Work and Pensions or any other government department.
Crown copyright 2026.
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First published 27 August 2026
ISBN 978-1-80786-042-4
Executive summary
Background
The Milburn Review is a UK-government commissioned independent inquiry to investigate the high numbers of young people (aged 16-24) not in work, education or training (NEET).
To provide context and insight into the views of the general public on this issue, DWP commissioned Ipsos to survey a representative sample of UK adults aged 16-75. Question topics included public understanding of the issue, its causes, the extent to which the issue is considered a priority and how the government and others should tackle it.
Methodology
Findings presented in this report are from an online survey of 2,031 UK adults (aged 16–75) conducted between 13 and 20 February 2026. Data is weighted to the known profile of the UK adult population by the following characteristics: age, gender, region, work status and social grade. Results are percentages: where multiple responses were allowed, totals may not sum to 100. Sub‑group findings are reported where differences are significant; all significance testing has been applied at the 95% confidence level, meaning we can be 95% confident that the differences observed reflect real world differences using a two-tailed T test. Figures from smaller bases should be interpreted with caution.
A total of 47 questions were asked in the survey. While responses were collected for all questions, this report focuses on those findings most relevant to its stated objectives. As a result, not every survey question is reported. A full list of survey results can be found in the report annex.
Summary of key findings
The research shows 4 in 5 respondents (79%) had heard about the recent rise in the number of young people NEET, with 9 in 10 (93%) saying it was important the government take action to address this issue.
The top perceived drivers of the recent rise in the number of young people who are NEET were young people lacking motivation/desire to work (41%) and limited access to apprenticeships/entry‑level jobs (37%). Broader economic conditions (e.g., the cost of living, job market) and fewer opportunities for part-time or early work experience were also considered important factors (both 33%). The research shows 3 in 5 thought finding a first job or work experience is harder for young people now than it was for their parents’ generation (60%).
Reducing the cost and risk for employers hiring young people (33%), linking education more closely to work (28%) and reforming benefits/employment support so they actively help young people move into work (26%) were seen as the most effective ways to tackle the recent rise in the number of young people who are NEET.
The perceived consequences of the recent rise in the number of young people who are NEET were skills shortages in the UK workforce and a greater reliance on foreign labour in the future (43%), young people feeling disconnected from work (40%), increased demand for welfare and public services (39%) and a higher risk of crime or antisocial behaviour (also 39%).
There were broadly positive views of apprenticeships and early work experience - apprenticeships were generally seen as a good route into a career (91% agreed), and almost 9 in 10 (86%) said the government should prioritise increasing them. Early work experience was felt to matter (91% said work experience at a young age was important for long-term success in the labour market), and lack of experience were seen as the top barrier to a ‘good job’ (67%).
The research shows 4 in 5 respondents (82%) thought that the government should focus on supporting young people into work, education or training before it supports them through benefits. Most said benefits should stop if a job is refused because it ‘doesn’t interest’ someone (75%) but should continue for those who turn a job down due to it not fitting with caring responsibilities (71% agreed it should continue for adult carers, 67% for those with under-4s, 56% for those with over-4s) or because they do not feel they can do it due to a health condition/disability (66% agreed benefits should continue).
Main report
Issue awareness and perceived importance
Most (79%) UK adults had heard of the recent rise in the number of young people not in work, education or training (sometimes described as being ‘NEET’). Awareness was slightly higher among younger groups, although a majority of all age cohorts had heard of the issue.
There was strong support for government action to address the issue: almost all (93%) UK adults said it was important the government takes action to address the rise, with two-thirds (66%) saying it was very important. This places the issue at a comparable level to others the public believed it was important for the government to take action on, including increases in the cost of living (93%), rising housing costs (92%) and access to quality education for children and young people (94%).
Despite relatively high awareness and perceived importance of the issue, only around 1 in 5 had heard of the Milburn Review (22%) at the time of the survey (13th and 20th February 2026) and a similar proportion of the Government’s Youth Guarantee (19%).
Causes and context
The public referred to both individual and structural factors when considering what had contributed most to the recent rise in the number of young people who are NEET. A perceived lack of motivation/desire to work among young people (41%), limited access to apprenticeships and entry‑level jobs (37%), broader economic conditions including the cost of living and job market (33%), and fewer early or part‑time work opportunities (33%) were believed to be key drivers. Older adults were more likely to suggest a lack of motivation or desire to work among young people was a significant factor in explaining the rise (50% of 55-75s said this compared to 24% of 16-24s), while younger people were more likely to identify structural factors such as fewer early opportunities (47% among 16–24s) and broader economic conditions (45%).
What would help address the rise
When asked what would most help address the recent rise in the number of young people who are NEET, the public suggested reducing the cost and risk for employers of hiring young people (33%), making education more closely linked to work and careers (28%), and reforming benefits and employment support to help young people move into work (26%). A quarter (24%) prioritised increasing the availability of apprenticeship schemes, 23% wanted government‑backed paid placements or internships, and 22% wanted more early opportunities/part‑time jobs.
Older adults were more likely than other age groups to suggest action be taken to reduce the cost and risk for employers of hiring young people (42% among 55-75s), reforming benefits and employment support so it actively helps young people move into work (35%) and increasing the availability of apprenticeship schemes (34%). Younger groups were more likely to suggest it was important to create more part-time and early opportunities for young people (37% of 16-24s), and reducing the cost and risk for employers of hiring young people (28% of 16-24s).
Perceived impacts and who should act
The most commonly anticipated consequences of rising numbers of young people who are NEET were skills shortages among the UK workforce and a greater reliance on foreign labour in the future (43%), young people feeling disconnected from work and work opportunities (40%), increased demand for welfare and public services (39%) and higher risk of crime/antisocial behaviour (39%). The public also pointed to impacts on young people’s mental health (34%) and the wider economy/productivity (33%). Older adults were more concerned about skills shortages among the UK workforce and a greater reliance on foreign labour in the future (56% of 55-75s) while younger groups were more likely to be worried about the impacts on young people’s mental health (42% of 16-24s).
When asked who plays the biggest role in helping young people move from education to work, people pointed to parents and families (42%) and young people themselves (39%), followed by schools/colleges/universities (35%), employers (28%) and government/public services (20%). Over a third said responsibility was shared across all of these (36%).
Parents of under 16s were more likely to suggest it was parents and families who play the biggest role helping young people move from education to work (49%), while younger groups (16-24s) were more likely to suggest it is schools/colleges/universities (50%) or employers (37%), alongside parents and families (41%).
Despite this, the UK government was most often named as being most responsible for addressing the rise in the number of young people who are NEET (38%), ahead of young people themselves (12%), wider economic conditions (10%), the welfare system (10%), employers and businesses (9%) and parents/families (8%).
When asked who they trust most to make practical suggestions about what would encourage young people into work, education or training, a third chose young people themselves (33%), while similar proportions chose employers/business leaders (32%), educators/training providers (31%) and family members (29%). Only 9% picked government ministers or officials.
Apprenticeships and early work experience
There were broadly positive views of apprenticeships - 9 in 10 (91%) agreed they were a good route into a career, and almost 9 in 10 (86%) said the government should prioritise increasing them.
Similarly, 9 in 10 (91%) said early work experience was important for young people’s long‑term success, including just over half (54%) who said it was very important. Additionally, nearly 8 in 10 (78%) agreed employers should play a bigger role in offering work experience.
In line with this, lack of experience was seen as the top barrier to securing a ‘good job’ (67%), suggesting there was support for earlier routes into work. Two-thirds (67%) agreed employers benefit from experienced workers but avoid investing in young talent, a view stronger among 16-24s (84% agreed compared to 58% of 55-75s).
Other cited barriers included limited opportunities in the desired field (54%) and lack of relevant qualifications (49%). One in 5 (20%) cited discrimination or bias, rising to around 3 in 10 (31%) among ethnic minority participants.
Benefits, conditionality and fairness
Public opinion supported a system that encourages young people into work, with support for those who need it. The research shows 4 in 5 (82%) agreed the government should focus on supporting young people into work, education or training before supporting them through benefits. The research shows 6 in 10 (59%) said the current benefits system discourages young people from working, and almost two‑thirds (64%) said it does not help people back into work quickly enough.
Views on young people receiving benefits were conditional; 3 quarters (75%) said benefits should stop if a job is refused because it ‘doesn’t interest them’, and around 3 in 5 (59%) said benefits should stop if a job is refused because it ‘doesn’t pay enough’. In contrast, the majority favoured continuing benefits where young people turn down jobs that don’t fit with caring responsibilities or for health reasons. For example, 7 in 10 (71%) thought benefits should continue for those caring for another adult full‑time, 2 in 3 (67%) for those with children under 4, and just over half (56%) for those with school‑age children. The research shows 2 in 3 (66%) also thought benefits should continue where a health condition or disability means the job is not suitable.
Those in employment were typically more inclined to agree that benefits should stop in all situations, although a majority still agreed they should continue when a job doesn’t fit with a person’s caring responsibilities or around a health issue. Older adults (aged 55-75) were more inclined to agree that benefits should stop when a job is turned down because it doesn’t fit around childcare for school-age children (41% agree, 49% disagree), it doesn’t pay enough (70% agree, 21% disagree), or it doesn’t interest someone (80% agree, 10% disagree), while younger groups (16-24s) were typically more open to benefits continuing in each circumstance (65% when a job doesn’t fit around childcare for school-age children, 46% when it doesn’t pay enough, and 16% when it doesn’t interest them).
Views on receipt of out-of-work benefits among the UK general public: trends by age
Question: Imagine a scenario where a young person is out of work and receiving out of work benefits. They are offered a job which they turn down. Please tell us what you think should happen to this young person’s out of work benefits if they turn it down for any of the following reasons:
Option 1: It doesn’t fit with their responsibilities caring for another adult full-time
| Age |
Should no longer receive their out of work benefit (%) |
Should continue to receive their out of work benefit (%) |
Don’t know/not sure (%) |
Total (%) |
| 16-24 |
18 |
74 |
8 |
100% |
| 25-34 |
23 |
65 |
12 |
100% |
| 35-44 |
17 |
76 |
7 |
100% |
| 45-54 |
22 |
69 |
9 |
100% |
| 55-75 |
22 |
70 |
8 |
100% |
Option 2: It doesn’t fit around childcare for their child who is too young to attend school (4 or under)
| Age |
Should no longer receive their out of work benefit (%) |
Should continue to receive their out of work benefit (%) |
Don’t know/not sure (%) |
Total (%) |
| 16-24 |
16 |
73 |
10 |
100% |
| 25-34 |
23 |
68 |
9 |
100% |
| 35-44 |
23 |
68 |
9 |
100% |
| 45-54 |
26 |
63 |
11 |
100% |
| 55-75 |
27 |
63 |
9 |
100% |
Option 3: It doesn’t fit around childcare for their school-aged child (4 or over)
| Age |
Should no longer receive their out of work benefit (%) |
Should continue to receive their out of work benefit (%) |
Don’t know/not sure (%) |
Total (%) |
| 16-24 |
24 |
65 |
12 |
100% |
| 25-34 |
31 |
60 |
9 |
100% |
| 35-44 |
30 |
59 |
10 |
100% |
| 45-54 |
36 |
51 |
13 |
100% |
| 55-75 |
41 |
49 |
10 |
100% |
Option 4: It doesn’t pay them enough
| Age |
Should no longer receive their out of work benefit (%) |
Should continue to receive their out of work benefit (%) |
Don’t know/not sure (%) |
Total (%) |
| 16-24 |
43 |
46 |
11 |
100% |
| 25-34 |
53 |
38 |
9 |
100% |
| 35-44 |
59 |
30 |
11 |
100% |
| 45-54 |
59 |
27 |
14 |
100% |
| 55-75 |
70 |
21 |
9 |
100% |
Option 5: It doesn’t interest them
| Age |
Should no longer receive their out of work benefit (%) |
Should continue to receive their out of work benefit (%) |
Don’t know/not sure (%) |
Total (%) |
| 16-24 |
70 |
16 |
14 |
100% |
| 25-34 |
66 |
25 |
9 |
100% |
| 35-44 |
76 |
16 |
9 |
100% |
| 45-54 |
75 |
13 |
12 |
100% |
| 55-75 |
80 |
10 |
9 |
100% |
Option 6: It is not a job they feel they can do because of a health condition or disability
| Age |
Should no longer receive their out of work benefit (%) |
Should continue to receive their out of work benefit (%) |
Don’t know/not sure (%) |
Total (%) |
| 16-24 |
15 |
75 |
9 |
100% |
| 25-34 |
23 |
67 |
11 |
100% |
| 35-44 |
19 |
71 |
9 |
100% |
| 45-54 |
22 |
64 |
14 |
100% |
| 55-75 |
30 |
59 |
11 |
100% |
Base (all options): All UK adults aged 16-75 (2,031)
Disclosure of health conditions at work
Over half of workers said they would be concerned about telling an employer if they had a health condition or disability (51% concerned, including 14% very concerned), while 2 in 5 would not be concerned (42%, including 17% not at all concerned). Concern was higher among ethnic minority workers (64% concerned versus 49% white employees).
Who should receive additional support
While a majority (55%) said all young people should have access to the same opportunities, many also prioritised targeted support for people with physical disabilities (23%), people with learning disabilities (22%), people from economically disadvantaged backgrounds (18%), individuals experiencing anxiety, depression or other mental health challenges (17%), individuals on the autism spectrum (17%) and individuals diagnosed with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) (15%). Just 7% thought refugees and asylum seekers should have access to additional support to help them into work, education or training.
Younger groups (16-24s) were typically more open to targeted support for specific groups (51%), while older adults (55-75s) were more inclined to suggest that all young people should have access to the same opportunities (64%).
Annex
A total of 47 questions were asked in the survey. Responses by question are provided below.
| Are you, or is there someone you know personally, who is aged between 16 and 24 and currently not in work, education or training? |
All participants |
| Base (all participants) |
2,031 |
| Yes, myself |
3% |
| Yes, someone in my immediate family |
13% |
| Yes, a close friend |
9% |
| Yes, a colleague or acquaintance |
3% |
| Yes, someone else I know (not close) |
9% |
| No, I don’t think so |
60% |
| Don’t know |
2% |
| How important, if at all, do you think it is that government takes action to address each of the following: Rising numbers of young people not in work, education or training |
All participants |
| Base (all participants) |
2,031 |
| Very important |
66% |
| Fairly important |
28% |
| Not very important |
4% |
| Not at all important |
1% |
| Don’t know |
2% |
| How important, if at all, do you think it is that government takes action to address each of the following: Increases in the cost of living affecting family budgets |
All participants |
| Base (all participants) |
2,031 |
| Very important |
69% |
| Fairly important |
24% |
| Not very important |
4% |
| Not at all important |
1% |
| Don’t know |
2% |
| How important, if at all, do you think it is that government takes action to address each of the following: Availability and cost of childcare |
All participants |
| Base (all participants) |
2,031 |
| Very important |
47% |
| Fairly important |
38% |
| Not very important |
9% |
| Not at all important |
3% |
| Don’t know |
4% |
| How important, if at all, do you think it is that government takes action to address each of the following: Rising housing costs |
All participants |
| Base (all participants) |
2,031 |
| Very important |
61% |
| Fairly important |
31% |
| Not very important |
6% |
| Not at all important |
2% |
| Don’t know |
1% |
| How important, if at all, do you think it is that government takes action to address each of the following: Access to quality education for children and young people |
All participants |
| Base (all participants) |
2,031 |
| Very important |
67% |
| Fairly important |
27% |
| Not very important |
4% |
| Not at all important |
1% |
| Don’t know |
1% |
| How important, if at all, do you think it is that government takes action to address each of the following: Availability of support programmes for families in need |
All participants |
| Base (all participants) |
2,031 |
| Very important |
51% |
| Fairly important |
38% |
| Not very important |
7% |
| Not at all important |
2% |
| Don’t know |
3% |
| To what extent, if at all, do you feel that young people today will have better or worse job prospects than their parents’ generation, or will it be about the same? |
All participants |
| Base (all participants) |
2,031 |
| Much better |
4% |
| Slightly better |
8% |
| About the same |
16% |
| Slightly worse |
34% |
| Much worse |
32% |
| Don’t know |
5% |
| Before today, had you heard about the rise in recent years in the number of young people not in work, education or training? |
All participants |
| Base (all participants) |
2,031 |
| Yes, I’d definitely heard about it |
46% |
| Yes, I think I’d heard about it |
33% |
| No, I hadn’t heard about it |
18% |
| Don’t know |
3% |
| Which, if any, of the following do you think has contributed most to the rise in recent years in the number of young people not in work, education or training? |
All participants |
| Base (all participants) |
2,031 |
| Young people lacking motivation or desire to work |
41% |
| Limited access to apprenticeships and entry-level jobs |
37% |
| Broader economic conditions (e.g., the cost of living, job market) |
33% |
| Fewer opportunities for part-time or early work experience like Saturday jobs |
33% |
| The education system not preparing young people for work |
28% |
| Mental health challenges among young people |
28% |
| A welfare and benefit system that does not support re-entry into work |
25% |
| It being too costly or risky for employers to hire young people |
24% |
| Government policy |
15% |
| None of the above |
1% |
| Don’t know |
3% |
| Which, if any, of the following concerns you most about the rise in recent years in the number of young people not in work, education or training? |
All participants |
| Base (all participants) |
2,031 |
| Skills shortages in the UK workforce and increased reliance on foreign labour in the future |
43% |
| Young people feeling disconnected from work and work opportunities |
40% |
| Increased demand for welfare and public services among young people specifically |
39% |
| Higher risk of crime or antisocial behaviour |
39% |
| Impacts on young people’s mental health |
34% |
| Impacts on the economy, including reduced productivity |
33% |
| Increased inequality / reduced social mobility for young people |
26% |
| None of the above |
1% |
| Don’t know |
3% |
| Which of these, if any, do you think is most responsible for addressing the rise in recent years in the number of young people not in work, education or training? |
All participants |
| Base (all participants) |
2,031 |
| The UK government |
38% |
| Young people themselves |
12% |
| Wider economic conditions |
10% |
| The welfare and benefits system |
10% |
| Employers and businesses |
9% |
| Parents and families |
8% |
| Schools, colleges and universities |
5% |
| Local community organisations |
1% |
| Social media |
<0.5% |
| Immigration |
<0.5% |
| All of the above |
<0.5% |
| Lack of job opportunities |
<0.5% |
| Automation/ artificial intelligence (AI) taking away jobs |
<0.5% |
| Covid-19 |
<0.5% |
| Rise of pension age limit/ older people getting their jobs |
<0.5% |
| People wanting low skill/ easy jobs |
<0.5% |
| Other (please specify) |
<0.5% |
| None of the above |
1% |
| Don’t know |
5% |
| Which 2 or 3, if any, of the following do you think would help to address the recent rise in the number of young people not in work, education or training? |
All participants |
| Base (all participants) |
2,031 |
| Reducing the cost and risk for employers of hiring young people (e.g., lower National Insurance, wage subsidies) |
33% |
| Making education more closely linked to work and careers |
28% |
| Reforming benefits and employment support so it actively helps young people move into work |
26% |
| The government increasing the availability of apprenticeship schemes |
24% |
| Government-backed paid placements or internships for young people |
23% |
| Creating more part-time and early work opportunities for young people |
22% |
| More high-quality entry-level jobs |
18% |
| Raising expectations and support so young people are encouraged to enter work earlier |
17% |
| Addressing housing costs and insecurity that make it harder for young people to take jobs |
16% |
| Helping young people gain the skills needed to work alongside AI and automation |
14% |
| Managing the impact of AI and automation on entry-level jobs traditionally done by young people |
13% |
| Improving access to mental health support that supports young people to work or train |
12% |
| Improving transport and local mobility so that young people can reach jobs and training |
12% |
| None of the above |
1% |
| Don’t know |
4% |
| Are there any particular groups of young people you think should have access to additional support to help them into work, education or training? |
All participants |
| Base (all participants) |
2,031 |
| People with physical disabilities |
23% |
| People with learning disabilities |
22% |
| Individuals from economically disadvantaged backgrounds |
18% |
| Individuals experiencing anxiety, depression or other mental health challenges |
17% |
| Individuals on the autism spectrum |
17% |
| Individuals diagnosed with ADHD
|
15% |
| Refugees and asylum seekers |
7% |
| All young people should have access to the same opportunities |
55% |
| Don’t know/not sure |
8% |
| How important, if at all, do you think work experience at a young age (such as part-time or weekend jobs while studying) is for young people’s long-term success in the labour market? |
All participants |
| Base (all participants) |
2,031 |
| Very important |
54% |
| Fairly important |
37% |
| Not very important |
5% |
| Not at all important |
1% |
| Don’t know |
3% |
| How much do you agree or disagree with each of the following statements: Young people (aged 16-24) should be in work, education or training |
All participants |
| Base (all participants) |
2,031 |
| Strongly agree |
61% |
| Tend to agree |
29% |
| Neither agree nor disagree |
7% |
| Tend to disagree |
1% |
| Strongly disagree |
1% |
| Don’t know |
2% |
| How much do you agree or disagree with each of the following statements: Apprenticeships are a good route into a career |
All participants |
| Base (all participants) |
2,031 |
| Strongly agree |
60% |
| Tend to agree |
31% |
| Neither agree nor disagree |
6% |
| Tend to disagree |
1% |
| Strongly disagree |
1% |
| Don’t know |
2% |
| How much do you agree or disagree with each of the following statements: The government should prioritise increasing the availability of apprenticeship schemes |
All participants |
| Base (all participants) |
2,031 |
| Strongly agree |
47% |
| Tend to agree |
39% |
| Neither agree nor disagree |
10% |
| Tend to disagree |
2% |
| Strongly disagree |
1% |
| Don’t know |
2% |
| How much do you agree or disagree with each of the following statements: The education system fails to prepare young people for the world of work |
All participants |
| Base (all participants) |
2,031 |
| Strongly agree |
33% |
| Tend to agree |
40% |
| Neither agree nor disagree |
15% |
| Tend to disagree |
8% |
| Strongly disagree |
1% |
| Don’t know |
3% |
| How much do you agree or disagree with each of the following statements: The current school curriculum is too focused on children and young people passing exams rather than preparing them for work |
All participants |
| Base (all participants) |
2,031 |
| Strongly agree |
44% |
| Tend to agree |
36% |
| Neither agree nor disagree |
11% |
| Tend to disagree |
5% |
| Strongly disagree |
1% |
| Don’t know |
4% |
| How much do you agree or disagree with each of the following statements: The current benefits system discourages young people from working |
All participants |
| Base (all participants) |
2,031 |
| Strongly agree |
33% |
| Tend to agree |
26% |
| Neither agree nor disagree |
18% |
| Tend to disagree |
10% |
| Strongly disagree |
5% |
| Don’t know |
7% |
| How much do you agree or disagree with each of the following statements: The current benefits system doesn’t help young people back into work quickly enough |
All participants |
| Base (all participants) |
2,031 |
| Strongly agree |
30% |
| Tend to agree |
34% |
| Neither agree nor disagree |
18% |
| Tend to disagree |
6% |
| Strongly disagree |
2% |
| Don’t know |
10% |
| How much do you agree or disagree with each of the following statements: The government should focus on supporting young people into work, education or training before it supports them through benefits |
All participants |
| Base (all participants) |
2,031 |
| Strongly agree |
49% |
| Tend to agree |
33% |
| Neither agree nor disagree |
10% |
| Tend to disagree |
4% |
| Strongly disagree |
2% |
| Don’t know |
2% |
| How much do you agree or disagree with each of the following statements: There are not enough good jobs for young people to move into when they leave school or college |
All participants |
| Base (all participants) |
2,031 |
| Strongly agree |
29% |
| Tend to agree |
36% |
| Neither agree nor disagree |
17% |
| Tend to disagree |
10% |
| Strongly disagree |
4% |
| Don’t know |
4% |
| How much do you agree or disagree with each of the following statements: All young people should have the opportunity to work or study, regardless of their circumstances |
All participants |
| Base (all participants) |
2,031 |
| Strongly agree |
58% |
| Tend to agree |
33% |
| Neither agree nor disagree |
6% |
| Tend to disagree |
1% |
| Strongly disagree |
1% |
| Don’t know |
1% |
| How much do you agree or disagree with each of the following statements: Work is fundamentally good for young people |
All participants |
| Base (all participants) |
2,031 |
| Strongly agree |
63% |
| Tend to agree |
28% |
| Neither agree nor disagree |
6% |
| Tend to disagree |
1% |
| Strongly disagree |
1% |
| Don’t know |
1% |
| How much do you agree or disagree with each of the following statements: Employers benefit from experienced workers but avoid investing in young talent |
All participants |
| Base (all participants) |
2,031 |
| Strongly agree |
27% |
| Tend to agree |
40% |
| Neither agree nor disagree |
20% |
| Tend to disagree |
5% |
| Strongly disagree |
1% |
| Don’t know |
7% |
| How much do you agree or disagree with each of the following statements: Too many young people are unprepared for the realities of work |
All participants |
| Base (all participants) |
2,031 |
| Strongly agree |
41% |
| Tend to agree |
38% |
| Neither agree nor disagree |
11% |
| Tend to disagree |
5% |
| Strongly disagree |
2% |
| Don’t know |
3% |
| How much do you agree or disagree with each of the following statements: Employers should play a bigger role offering work experience |
All participants |
| Base (all participants) |
2,031 |
| Strongly agree |
32% |
| Tend to agree |
46% |
| Neither agree nor disagree |
16% |
| Tend to disagree |
3% |
| Strongly disagree |
1% |
| Don’t know |
3% |
| Imagine a scenario where a young person is out of work and receiving out of work benefits. They are offered a job which they turn down. Please tell us what you think should happen to this young person’s out of work benefits if they turn it down for any of the following reasons: It doesn’t fit with their responsibilities caring for another adult full-time |
All participants |
| Base (all participants) |
2,031 |
| They should definitely no longer receive their out of work benefit |
7% |
| They should probably no longer receive their out of work benefit |
14% |
| They should probably continue to receive their out of work benefit |
38% |
| They should definitely continue to receive their out of work benefit |
32% |
| Don’t know/not sure |
9% |
| Imagine a scenario where a young person is out of work and receiving out of work benefits. They are offered a job which they turn down. Please tell us what you think should happen to this young person’s out of work benefits if they turn it down for any of the following reasons: It doesn’t fit around childcare for their child who is too young to attend school (4 or under) |
All participants |
| Base (all participants) |
2,031 |
| They should definitely no longer receive their out of work benefit |
7% |
| They should probably no longer receive their out of work benefit |
16% |
| They should probably continue to receive their out of work benefit |
36% |
| They should definitely continue to receive their out of work benefit |
30% |
| Don’t know/not sure |
10% |
| Imagine a scenario where a young person is out of work and receiving out of work benefits. They are offered a job which they turn down. Please tell us what you think should happen to this young person’s out of work benefits if they turn it down for any of the following reasons: It doesn’t fit around childcare for their school-aged child (4 or over) |
All participants |
| Base (all participants) |
2,031 |
| They should definitely no longer receive their out of work benefit |
12% |
| They should probably no longer receive their out of work benefit |
22% |
| They should probably continue to receive their out of work benefit |
35% |
| They should definitely continue to receive their out of work benefit |
21% |
| Don’t know/not sure |
11% |
| Imagine a scenario where a young person is out of work and receiving out of work benefits. They are offered a job which they turn down. Please tell us what you think should happen to this young person’s out of work benefits if they turn it down for any of the following reasons: It doesn’t pay them enough |
All participants |
| Base (all participants) |
2,031 |
| They should definitely no longer receive their out of work benefit |
27% |
| They should probably no longer receive their out of work benefit |
32% |
| They should probably continue to receive their out of work benefit |
21% |
| They should definitely continue to receive their out of work benefit |
10% |
| Don’t know/not sure |
11% |
| Imagine a scenario where a young person is out of work and receiving out of work benefits. They are offered a job which they turn down. Please tell us what you think should happen to this young person’s out of work benefits if they turn it down for any of the following reasons: It doesn’t interest them |
All participants |
| Base (all participants) |
2,031 |
| They should definitely no longer receive their out of work benefit |
46% |
| They should probably no longer receive their out of work benefit |
29% |
| They should probably continue to receive their out of work benefit |
11% |
| They should definitely continue to receive their out of work benefit |
4% |
| Don’t know/not sure |
10% |
| Imagine a scenario where a young person is out of work and receiving out of work benefits. They are offered a job which they turn down. Please tell us what you think should happen to this young person’s out of work benefits if they turn it down for any of the following reasons: It is not a job they feel they can do because of a health condition or disability |
All participants |
| Base (all participants) |
2,031 |
| They should definitely no longer receive their out of work benefit |
6% |
| They should probably no longer receive their out of work benefit |
18% |
| They should probably continue to receive their out of work benefit |
38% |
| They should definitely continue to receive their out of work benefit |
28% |
| Don’t know/not sure |
11% |
| Which one of these 2 statements best describes your view about what young people should consider when looking for their first job? |
All participants |
| Base (all participants) |
2,031 |
| It is more important a young person get any job for their first job rather than a good job |
68% |
| It is more important a young person get a good job for their first job rather than getting any job |
23% |
| I’m not sure/don’t know |
9% |
| Which, if any, of the following do you think stop young people from getting a ‘good job’? |
All participants |
| Base (all participants) |
2,031 |
| Lack of experience |
67% |
| Limited job opportunities in the desired field |
54% |
| Lack of relevant qualifications |
49% |
| They aren’t available locally |
36% |
| Lack of mentorship or guidance |
35% |
| Discrimination or bias in workplaces |
20% |
| Concerns about work-life balance |
19% |
| Family or personal commitments |
15% |
| Attitude (can’t be bothered/disinterested/lazy/low work ethic) |
3% |
| Benefits are too good/ reliance on benefits |
1% |
| Expectations are not realistic/ too high/ their ideas of “a good job” |
1% |
| Immigration |
<0.5% |
| They see too much easy money being made online |
<0.5% |
| Cost to the employer/ increased NI/ minimum wage |
<0.5% |
| High requirements for entry level jobs |
<0.5% |
| DEI quotas |
<0.5% |
| Government policies |
<0.5% |
| Other (please specify) |
1% |
| Don’t know |
4% |
| To what extent do you think that doing a job which is unrelated to the career you would like to have in the long-term would be a barrier to working in that career in the future? |
All participants |
| Base (all participants) |
2,031 |
| To a great extent |
7% |
| To some extent |
34% |
| Not very much |
31% |
| Not at all |
21% |
| Don’t know |
8% |
| Before today, had you heard of either of the following? - An independent investigation into young people and work announced by the UK Government (the Milburn Review) |
All participants |
| Base (all participants) |
2,031 |
| Yes, I definitely have |
5% |
| Yes, I think I have |
17% |
| No |
71% |
| Don’t know/not sure |
6% |
| Before today, had you heard of either of the following? - The Government’s Youth Guarantee |
All participants |
| Base (all participants) |
2,031 |
| Yes, I definitely have |
4% |
| Yes, I think I have |
14% |
| No |
74% |
| Don’t know/not sure |
8% |
| Which one of these 3 statements best describes your view about what young people should prioritise while they are: At school (before age 16) |
All participants |
| Base (all participants) |
2,031 |
| Young people should focus on their education |
69% |
| Young people should try and balance both |
27% |
| Young people should focus on part time work |
4% |
| Which one of these 3 statements best describes your view about what young people should prioritise while they are: At college or sixth form |
All participants |
| Base (all participants) |
2,031 |
| Young people should focus on their education |
30% |
| Young people should try and balance both |
65% |
| Young people should focus on part time work |
5% |
| Which one of these 3 statements best describes your view about what young people should prioritise while they are: At university |
All participants |
| Base (all participants) |
2,031 |
| Young people should focus on their education |
27% |
| Young people should try and balance both |
66% |
| Young people should focus on part time work |
7% |
| Who do you think plays the biggest role in helping young people make a successful transition from education into work? |
All participants |
| Base (all participants) |
2,031 |
| Parents and families |
42% |
| Young people themselves |
39% |
| Schools, colleges and universities |
35% |
| Employers |
28% |
| Government and public services |
20% |
| Responsibility is shared across all these groups |
36% |
| Other (please specify) |
<0.5% |
| Don’t know |
3% |
| When do you think is the most challenging point for young people moving into work? |
All participants |
| Base (all participants) |
2,031 |
| Finding a first job or placement |
68% |
| Leaving school or college |
15% |
| Progressing after their initial job |
7% |
| I don’t think young people face challenges moving into work |
5% |
| Don’t know |
5% |
| What, if anything, do you think is harder for young people now than it was for their parents’ generation? |
All participants |
| Base (all participants) |
2,031 |
| Finding a first job or work experience |
60% |
| Affording housing while working or training |
55% |
| Managing mental health alongside work or study |
27% |
| Progressing from entry-level work |
26% |
| Education preparing people for work |
22% |
| Navigating benefits and employment support |
12% |
| I don’t think things have become harder |
10% |
| Which of these, if any, do you trust most to make practical suggestions about what would encourage young people into work, education or training? |
All participants |
| Base (all participants) |
2,031 |
| Young people themselves |
33% |
| Employers and business leaders |
32% |
| Educators and training providers |
31% |
| Family members |
29% |
| Charities and youth organisations |
12% |
| Government ministers or officials |
9% |
| Local community organisations |
7% |
| Economists or policy experts |
4% |
| Media and journalists |
2% |
| Other |
<0.5% |
| Don’t know |
13% |
| How concerned, if at all, would you be to tell your employer about a health condition or disability, if you had one? |
All participants |
| Base (all in work) |
1,319 |
| Very concerned |
14% |
| Fairly concerned |
37% |
| Not very concerned |
25% |
| Not at all concerned |
17% |
| Don’t know |
6% |
| Prefer not to say |
1% |
