Youth Scheme in London Faces Criticism Over Success Rate

Almost one million young people in the UK are not in employment, education or training (Neet), according to the latest data from the Office for National Statistics.

New data reveals that less than half of young people supported by two government-backed youth schemes in London went on to take up further education, employment or training (Neet) opportunities. Only 1,100 of 2,600 young Londoners supported by the £20m Youth Guarantee Trailblazer scheme moved into further opportunities.

Former youth worker and Conservative peer Shaun Bailey said the scheme was a "failure" and called for more support for employers. Skills Minister Jacqui Smith said the scheme was helping young people furthest from the labour market and that it was still "early days".

London is one of eight Youth Guarantee Trailblazer areas in England already exploring ways to help young Neets. The money is funding two trailblazer projects in London, one focused on care-experienced young people in 12 boroughs, and a broader scheme that works across the capital. The Greater London Authority (GLA) leads the projects.

The programme offers a range of support, including access to mental health and wellbeing services at colleges and universities, help moving into further education, work experience, careers events, mentoring and practical help finding a job. The programme is funded for two years until the end of March 2027.

Mattie Davies, a 19-year-old from London, has struggled to find work after leaving college. He has found work as a delivery driver but says the wage is not enough to pay his bills. Davies has not been receiving support from London's two Youth Guarantee Trailblazer schemes.

The eight Youth Guarantee Trailblazers in England have received a total of £90m in central government funding over the two years of the programme. The trailblazers were part of the Labour government's plan to help 16 to 24-year-olds classed as Neet, whose number has been rising in recent years. There were 125,949 Neets in London at the end of 2025, the highest number of any region in England, according to government data.