Responding to the interim report of the Milburn Review, Community General Secretary Roy Rickhuss CBE said:
“Alan Milburn’s interim report on young people and work sheds a light on one of the most important socio-economic crises facing the country, as more than 1 million young people are not in employment, education or training. It should be studied closely.
“Community was proud to contribute to this report, drawing on our experience of representing thousands of young workers across a diverse range of jobs and sectors. Our experience matches a core finding of the report: young people are ambitious and eager to find good quality employment but are being let down by a system that fails them. Shortcomings in schools, careers guidance and access to training are being compounded further by diminishing opportunities to undertake apprenticeships or find entry‑level roles.
“We look forward to the recommendations of the final report which should provide answers to not only improve the quantity of jobs for young people but substantive measures to improve the quality of employment too, to offer more young people positive experiences in the workplace and improve retention.”
Join the union for young workers
From gaps in career guidance to shrinking apprenticeship opportunities, young people trying to get into work are facing unprecedented challenges. As a union, Community is actively working with policymakers like Alan Milburn to change that, and we want you to join us in fighting for quality employment, better training and positive workplaces where you can actually progress.
© Community Trade Union 2026
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