'Shameful' that more is spent on benefits than jobs for the young, Milburn says
Former minister Alan Milburn says it is 'shameful' that the UK spends more on benefits than on jobs for young people. He is calling for reform of the welfare system to tackle the high numbers of young people not in work or education.
Speaking to the BBC, former minister Alan Milburn described as 'shameful' the fact that the UK spends more on benefits than on jobs for young people. That balance, he argued, entrenches the problem rather than tackling the high numbers of young people who are not in education or employment.
Milburn is pressing for reform of the welfare system, proposing that resources be redirected from benefits toward work and skills programmes. His comments have revived debate over the economic and social cost of youth unemployment.
The report notes that the government's policies to raise young people's participation in the workforce are under public discussion. Milburn's call aligns with continuing scrutiny of how welfare spending is structured.
More from Europe
Major EU states push Brussels for tougher China trade policy
A group of EU states — Spain, Italy, the Netherlands, France and Lithuania — is pushing Brussels toward a tougher trade regime against Chinese industrial overcapacity. Their paper calls for faster emergency tariffs, broader safeguards and new anti-circumvention powers.
Turkish Defence Ministry announces mobilisation drill to test plans and procedures
Turkey's Defence Ministry said it will run a nationwide mobilisation drill to test plans and procedures. The exercise aims to strengthen interagency coordination and assess operational readiness, the ministry said.
Turkey regulates residential-complex fees to curb excessive charges
A new legal change in Turkey targeting excessive residential-complex fees aims to limit steep fee increases and arbitrary operating-budget practices. Property lawyers say the change should reduce disputes between residents and complex managements.