Milburn urges rapid expansion of supported internships for disabled youth

In a government-commissioned review of young people and work, Alan Milburn recommends dramatically expanding specialist internships for those with learning disabilities, autism or mental illness. He notes that only a small fraction of this group secure permanent jobs, yet participants in supported internships achieve employment rates of up to 70%. With nearly one million 16- to 24-year-olds classified as NEET, Milburn describes the situation as a moral crisis and unsustainable for the economy.

The existing programme, involving employers like the NHS, Asda and Amazon, currently offers about 4,500 placements, and about half of interns find paid work. Milburn highlights shortages of slots, low public awareness, and funding concerns, and says the system must shift focus from benefits to job support. Recommendations from the review will be submitted to the government later this year.