The UK government has warned of an impending "economic catastrophe" as unemployment and inactivity among young people reach critical levels, with nearly one million under-25s currently neither working nor engaged in education or training. The prime minister’s stark assessment highlights deepening concerns over youth employment prospects and the long-term strain on public finances. Experts suggest the crisis could worsen without urgent intervention, raising questions about skills gaps, wage stagnation, and the broader impact on productivity. The statement underscores growing pressure on policymakers to address a workforce issue that threatens economic stability.
The UK faces "economic catastrophe" with one million young people not in work or training, the prime minister says.