An entire generation of young people risks now being locked out of opportunity

10 June 2026

Victoria Collins MP has called for urgent action following a major new report warning Britain is “at risk of a lost generation”, with more than one million young people now not in employment, education or training.

The report warns that without urgent intervention, one in six young people could be out of work or education within five years, as rising economic pressures, automation and weak job opportunities shut many young people out of the workforce.

Victoria Collins, Liberal Democrat MP for Harpenden and Berkhamsted, said:

“These shocking figures should ring alarm bells at the very top of the Government. I am shocked to read that more than one million young people are now out of work, education or training. An entire generation of young people now risks being locked out of opportunity before they’ve even had the chance to get started.

“The Government’s jobs tax is hitting sectors like hospitality and retail especially hard; these are the very industries that give many young people their first step into work.

“We need urgent action to back businesses, expand apprenticeships and skills training, and give young people the confidence, skills and opportunities they need to build fulfilling lives.”