Policy Connect have kindly shared their interim report from the Skills Commission inquiry:Earning or Learning: A New Agenda for Youth NEET Reduction, which represents nine months of intensive engagement with over 200 contributors from across education, business, local government, and civil society. The inquiry has identified critical evidence on the scale of youth inactivity, systemic failures, and the solutions required to break down barriers to opportunity.
The key findings come under the categories:
Scale and Economic Impact of the Crisis
Stark Regional and Geographical Inequalities
Disproportionate Impact on Vulnerable Groups
Systemic Failures in Education and Skills Provision
Effectiveness of Trusted, Long-Term, Relational Support
The Commissioners recognise the complexity of this challenge and the commitment required from all stakeholders to deliver genuine change. As they move toward the final report, they will be deepening their engagement with local authorities, employers, education providers, and voluntary and community sector organisations to translate these findings into actionable recommendations. Natasha will share the interim report with your skills leads and collate any responses plus relevant case studies.
The final report is due to be published in Spring 2026. If you would like to receive the interim report, then please contact Natasha [email protected]
