Responding to the new report of the Keep Britain Working Review, led by Sir Charlie Mayfield, Elizabeth Gerard, Deputy Director at Learning and Work Institute (L&W), said:
“The Keep Britain Working Review, led by Sir Charlie Mayfield, has reiterated the significant challenge of economic inactivity in the UK, and the potential prize of breaking down barriers to opportunity for young people. The scale of action required is highlighted in new data today showing one in four young people who are not in education, employment or training (NEET) are economically inactive due to sickness. Our research indicates poor mental health is a key driver. Further analysis from L&W published in early April will help to inform delivery of the Youth Guarantee and partnership between Government and employers to support young people across the UK.”
Contact our press office1 April 2026
Supporting the progression of low-income workers in Scotland
With funding from the Robertson Trust, Learning and Work Institute has been working in partnership with Edinburgh College to develop a pilot to support low-income workers in Scotland to progress into better jobs.
1 April 2026
Final report: Supporting the progression of low-income workers in Scotland
This report shares findings from the second phase of our programme of work funded by the Robertson Trust and delivered in partnership with Edinburgh College. It sets out a proposed model for a new, evidence-led, in-work progression programme in Edinburgh.
19 March 2026
Labour Market Briefing: March 2026
Our analysis of the ONS labour market statistics, released on the morning of 19 March 2026.
19 March 2026
Labour market stats response, March 2026
L&W’s chief executive Stephen Evans responds to the latest labour market data from ONS.
17 March 2026
There’s one million NEETs in the UK. Are we doing enough?
Stephen Evans, Chief Executive at Learning and Work Institute, reflects on the Government’s expansion of the Youth Guarantee and if support is going far enough to help young people into work or training.
17 March 2026
Beyond the headline: What emerging qualitative insights tell us about supporting young people into work
Iona McArdle, L&W’s JobsPlus Programme Manager, shares some emerging insights from the JobsPlus evaluation on young people’s experiences of being not in education, employment or training (NEET).
16 March 2026
Responding to the Government’s announcement on expanding opportunities for young people
L&W Chief Executive Stephen Evans responds to the Government’s announcement on expanding opportunities for young people on 16 March 2026.
13 March 2026
Training and skills needs: Trends and challenges in UK growth sectors
This report, the second in a series of publications funded by Nuffield Foundation, explores the level of estimated skills needs in UK businesses alongside the level and type of training that employers provide.
13 March 2026
UK’s training and skills ‘tick-box culture’ puts at risk job mobility and future growth, new report warns
New analysis has identified an overreliance on mandatory and compliance training in UK workplaces compared to other countries – at the expense of more in-depth upskilling required for the jobs of the future.
