Andy Burnham calls for more support to tackle youth unemployment

Andy Burnham (pictured) has called for more power to be given to mayors and councils to help tackle youth unemployment in his latest speech today, 29th June. 

Burnham said public contracts should demand more work placements and apprenticeships for young people if British firms want a better chance of winning them. 

He also stated that he would push for “parity” between academic and technical routes, promising a clear path for every young person into work. 

Kevin Fitzgerald, UK managing director at Employment Hero, said: “With over 1 million young people not in education, employment or training (NEET) in the first quarter of 2026 alone, it’s encouraging to see that Andy Burnham is prioritising employment.

“Young people across the UK need more opportunities to build experience and kickstart their careers, so any future regional plans to help bolster communities up and down the UK is a positive. 

“It’s important that any strategy works for the whole of the UK, as we know that the jobs market recovery is likely to be uneven across the country.”

Fitzgerald added: “Our platform data tracks business expansion across UK SMEs. 

“While London has seen a recent resurgence in hiring, up 6.1% quarter-on-quarter, the longer term trend tells us that it’s small businesses right across the nation who have been providing job opportunities, despite employment costs and the regulatory burden rising.