Tackling the youth unemployment crisis

I've called on the Government to scrap the unfair jobs tax, as former Health Secretary, Alan Milburn’s review into youth unemployment – published last week – shows over a million young people are not in education, employment or training (NEET). That's one in 8 young people – and rising.

This is appalling, but sadly the Milburn Review only confirms what we already knew - far too many young people are seeing their hopes and ambitions ripped away just as they enter adult life.

Here in Guildford constituency, the latest Office for National Statistics (ONS) figures have revealed a 12% rise in 18–24-year-olds claiming unemployment related benefits between April 2025 and April 2026.

I’ve consistently opposed the rise in Employer National Insurance Contributions (the "jobs tax”), and business rates hikes that we Lib Dems knew would hit opportunities for young people, especially on the high street where many get their first start.  

We repeatedly voted against the changes and will continue pushing the Government to urgently act to repair the mess they have made and get our economy growing, so our young people can build a future they can believe in.