Guildford MP calls on Government to "scrap the unfair jobs tax" as report shows over a million young people are not in education, employment or training
Guildford MP calls on Government to "scrap the unfair jobs tax" as report shows over a million young people are not in education, employment or training
Shocking findings from a review into youth unemployment were published last week showing that over a million young people are not in education, employment or training.
Former Health Secretary, Alan Milburn, was officially commissioned by the UK's Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) to investigate youth unemployment. His findings show that one in 8 young people – and rising – now fall into the NEET category.
Guildford MP Zöe Franklin is demanding that the Government to go further and faster to prevent an entire generation of young people being left behind, after the latest Office for National Statistics (ONS) figures reveal a 12% rise in 18–24-year-olds claiming unemployment related benefits in the Guildford constituency between April 2025 and April 2026.
Responding to the news, Zöe Franklin, said:
“The Milburn Review confirms what we already knew: too many young people are seeing their hopes and ambitions ripped away just as they enter adult life.
“They should be entering the best years of their lives, yet they’re seeing opportunities lost and futures put on hold. Behind the statistics are real lives being thwarted.
“Labour cannot say they weren’t warned. We Liberal Democrats repeatedly warned that their jobs tax and business rates hikes would hit opportunities for young people, especially on the high street where many get their first start.
"The Government must act urgently to repair the mess they have made. That means a proper plan to get our economy growing, scrapping the unfair jobs tax, properly supporting our hospitality sector and boosting skills and apprenticeships – so our young people can build a future they can believe in.”
Following Budget changes to employer National Insurance in late 2024, Zöe Franklin consistently opposed the rise in Employer National Insurance Contributions (the “jobs tax”), taking part in dozens of key votes on the Bill.
As Liberal Democrat Spokesperson for Local Government, her work on youth employment focuses on how councils, communities, and regional funding can better support young people into work.
ENDS