Children's Commissioner Backs Milburn Review on Youth Employment

Dame Rachel de Souza, Children's Commissioner for England, has issued a statement supporting the Milburn review of young people and work, underscoring the importance of employment pathways for the next generation. The Commissioner noted that young people across the country are ambitious and want to succeed in the workplace, with their voices and aspirations rightly central to the review's findings. The statement reinforces the critical connection between education and employment outcomes, particularly as local authorities work to reduce the number of young people Not in Education, Employment or Training (NEET). By focusing on what young people want from their working lives, the review aims to shape policies that better support the transition from education into meaningful careers. For Lead Members responsible for children's services and economic development, the Commissioner's intervention highlights the need for coordinated approaches across education, skills provision, and local employment opportunities. Ensuring young people can access good jobs remains essential for both individual life chances and broader community prosperity.