Turn2us: Young people must be at the heart of youth employment reforms

Turn2us has responded to the government's latest announcement on youth employment reforms, which includes new investment aimed at supporting young people into work.

The reforms are intended to address rising numbers of young people not in education, employment or training (NEET) and to improve access to employment support.

While the focus on helping young people into work is welcome, many continue to face significant barriers, including poor mental health, financial insecurity and employment support that doesn’t meet their needs.

Turn2us is calling for young people to be placed at the centre of these reforms, with support designed around their lived experiences to rebuild trust and improve outcomes.

Shelley Hopkinson, Head of Policy and Influencing, Turn2us says: 

"We welcome the investment in young people announced by the government today. Investing in young people and helping them into work is the right goal, but many face systemic barriers that make it harder to find and stay in work.

"From a tough job market to poor health and employment support that isn’t working well enough, these challenges can leave many people feeling that the system isn't there to help them. If these reforms are going to work, the government must rebuild trust and confidence, and involve young people in shaping the support they receive."