
'It is a catastrophe' - the man battling to stem rising youth unemployment
Alan Milburn returns to his hometown of Newcastle as he undertakes a review into the growing numbers of young people out of work.
Coverage by Political Leaning
See how different sides of the spectrum reported this story
Notable Quotes
"This is a story of lost lives."
— Alan Milburn , Politician
"It is, he says, 'a social catastrophe, an economic catastrophe and a political catastrophe'."
— Alan Milburn , Politician
"A lot of people my age have lost crucial years of their life and developing life skills."
— Jordan Thompson , Other
"People talk about 'our kids are too attached to technology these days' - but that's all I had for three years."
— Morgan Hogarth , Other
Key People
Former health secretary who authored the youth engagement report.
Jordan Thompson is a 20-year-old leisure assistant who experienced the challenges of youth unemployment.
Morgan Hogarth is an 18-year-old leisure assistant who faced difficulties during the pandemic.
Locations
Tags
All Coverage
Alan Milburn returns to his hometown of Newcastle as he undertakes a review into the growing numbers of young people out of work.
Similar Stories
Related coverage based on topic and tags
One in eight young people still out of work or education ahead of major review
Just under one million young people in the UK are not in education, employment or training (Neet).
August 27, 2026 at 03:33 PMBurnham refuses to rule out tax rises in autumn Budget
Experts have warned that he and Chancellor John Healey will have little room to manoeuvre in their first Budget.
August 25, 2026 at 06:40 AMSports Direct founder attacks Burnham's 'populist' High Street plans
In a letter, the entrepreneur accuses the prime minister of "jumping on 'everyday fixes' or bandwagons" with his latest cost of living and retail policies.
August 27, 2026 at 08:03 PMThings are getting worse, says litter picker
An anti-litter campaigner visits all 39 BBC local radio stations with her message.
August 26, 2026 at 09:17 AMCouncil set to axe climate emergency declaration
Barnsley Council says a review is under way to asses climate and net zero-related activity.
August 22, 2026 at 10:18 AMStruggling households need more help with bills, energy industry says
Industry body Energy UK says the current support for households most in need does not go far enough.
August 22, 2026 at 11:00 PM