We need to invest in our young people - Libby's column, June 2026

One of the most important reports I have read in recent months is Alan Milburn’s examination of young people who are not in employment, education or training – often referred to as NEETs. Looking at those aged between 16 and 24, the report shines a light on a challenge that should concern every community, employer and policymaker in Cumbria.

The findings are stark. While the reasons young people become disconnected from education and work are often complex, one of the most worrying trends is the growing number who are outside the labour market because of mental health challenges. These are young people with talent, ambition and potential, but who too often feel left behind by systems that should be supporting them.

Milburn argues that early exposure to the workplace can make a significant difference. A week of work experience, a Saturday job, or an opportunity to engage with local employers can help build confidence, skills and aspirations. In Cumbria, we are fortunate to have a thriving visitor economy and a diverse business community that is well placed to provide exactly these kinds of opportunities. 

The risk of becoming NEET is not evenly spread across our county, with Barrow experiencing some of the most significant pressures. If we are serious about creating opportunity for all, we must be prepared to target support where it is needed most.

Milburn is critical of an education system that places too much emphasis on grades and not enough on life beyond the school gates. Academic achievement matters, but success should also be measured by whether young people leave education with the confidence, skills and connections they need to thrive in the world of work.

I have been encouraged by the work being undertaken through the Leading Change programme delivered by the Centre for Leadership Performance. Led by the passionate and dedicated Sarah Glass, the programme is helping to equip young people across Cumbria with the skills, confidence and experiences that will shape their futures.

As part of the programme, I have been working with Year 8 students from a Cumbrian secondary school who have been challenged to design and deliver a 12-week project supporting one or more of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. Supported by an exceptional teacher and local business mentors, these young people are learning far more than can be measured in an exam. They are developing leadership, teamwork, communication and problem-solving skills; the very qualities employers tell us they need.

I was pleased that the students chose to focus on improving mental health outcomes within their school community. Their decision reflects a growing awareness among young people themselves of the challenges their generation faces, and a determination to be part of the solution.

As Mayor of Cumbria, I will be relentless in my focus on building a workforce fit for the future and ensuring that talent is nurtured here in our county. Every young person should have the opportunity to grow, contribute and succeed, while every employer should have access to the skilled workforce they need to prosper.

I will establish a Cumbria Youth Opportunity Taskforce, bringing together education providers, employers, local authorities, health services and the voluntary sector to tackle the barriers facing young people who feel excluded from the labour market. We do not need to start from scratch. Across Cumbria there are already examples of outstanding practice delivering real results. My role will be to champion, support and expand what works.

The future prosperity of Cumbria depends on the opportunities we create for the next generation today. No young person should feel abandoned, written off or left behind. If we invest in their potential, they will repay that investment many times over