This is the third of six reports published to inform the ‘Youth Commission’: the Commission on Education and Employment Opportunities for Young People. The Youth Commission considered the current education and employment prospects for young people, and the likely impact of changes in policy and the labour market. Read our final report, published in December 2020.

The Youth Commission proposed new ideas for ensuring all young people have access to opportunity. It was kindly supported by Association of Colleges, Capital City Colleges Group, London South Bank University, NOCN and Prospects. Its commissioners were: Kate Green MP (until June 2020), Maggie Galliers CBE, Amy King and Jo Maher.


This report looks at the likely future changes in demographics and the labour market, which will set the context for meeting these future challenges. Learning, skills and employment services will need to help young people to adapt to these changes.

The Youth Commission aims to find ways to improve education and employment opportunities for England’s 16-24-year olds. Its first report identified five key challenges:

  • Supporting job quality, career progression, and economic security
  • Better supporting 700,000 young people not in education, employment or training
  • Increasing the number of young people qualified to at least Level 3
  • Improving attainment in literacy and numeracy and other basic skills
  • Creating a diversity of higher level learning routes through life
  • Supporting job quality, career progression, and economic security.

29 May 2026

I found my voice through lifelong learning – others deserve the same chance

Ed Balls, Former Cabinet Minister and Shadow Chancellor, sets out why lifelong learning is vital for the country.

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28 May 2026

Responding to the interim report of the Milburn review

L&W chief executive Stephen Evans responds to the interim report from the Milburn review on Thursday 28 May 2026.

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19 May 2026

Labour Market Briefing: May 2026

Our analysis of the ONS labour market statistics, released on the morning of 19 May 2026.

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19 May 2026

Labour market dashboard

Every month, Learning and Work Institute produces detailed and timely analysis of the latest labour market statistics from ONS. Explore our interactive charts.

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19 May 2026

Labour market stats response, May 2026

L&W’s chief executive Stephen Evans responds to the latest labour market data from ONS.

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1 May 2026

Driving Change in Higher Education

Learning and Work Institute is working in partnership with The Carers Federation with funding from The National Lottery Community Fund to improve the support that young adult carers receive in higher education.

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21 April 2026

Labour Market Briefing: April 2026

Our analysis of the ONS labour market statistics, released on the morning of 21 April 2026.

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21 April 2026

Labour market stats response, April 2026

L&W’s chief economist Dr Helen Gray responds to the latest labour market data from ONS.

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19 March 2026

Labour Market Briefing: March 2026

Our analysis of the ONS labour market statistics, released on the morning of 19 March 2026.

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