Written questions

Employment: Young People

Commons · Question 126333 · Tabled 10 Apr 2026 · Department for Work and Pensions · Official record

Answered 20 Apr 2026

Question

Asked by James McMurdock

To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, what assessment he has made of barriers to labour market entry for young people with limited work experience.

Answer

Answered by Andrew Western, 20 Apr 2026

Lack of experience is a key barrier for young people. 7-10% of 16-24-year-olds have never held any paid job or work experience, and 58% of those who are not in education, employment or training (NEETs) have never held a paid job. To address this, the Gove...