Unemployed young people face being 'stranded' if benefits cut without transport help

Unemployed young people risk becoming isolated if the United Kingdom reduces benefits for under-25s without simultaneously providing enhanced transport assistance, according to new research released by the New Economics Foundation. The study indicates that approximately 70 percent of young people not in education, employment, or training have no access to any discounted bus schemes. This finding arrives as the government considers removing the health component of Universal Credit for this demographic, replacing it with support aimed at securing employment. Experts warn that such financial cuts could leave many individuals unable to afford fares to job interviews, courses, or initial shifts, effectively stranding them despite available opportunities. The New Economics Foundation, a left-wing think tank aligned with Prime Minister Andy Burnham, detailed the extent of the transport gap in its analysis. Three-quarters of young people out of work or education reside in areas where no council-backed bus discount is open to everyone their age. Furthermore, 69 percent have no access to any bus discount whatsoever, including those issued directly by bus operators that are valid only on specific routes. The situation worsens for older youths within the category, with 91 percent of 22-to-24-year-olds in England lacking access to an open-to-all youth discount. Many existing discounts are restricted to students, apprentices, or other specific groups, leaving most unemployed young people ineligible. Poor physical connectivity compounds the issue. The research found that 33 percent of young unemployed individuals live in poorly connected areas. This figure rises to 42 percent in coastal regions described as left behind. To address these disparities, the think tank proposes free bus travel for under-25s paired with expanded services in rural and coastal zones. They estimate the upfront cost at 1.1 billion pounds, rising to 1.5 billion pounds annually over the long term. Paula Castro Rodriguez, a researcher at the foundation, stated that shifting spending from social security to employment support without addressing transport costs could leave many completely stranded. She argued that there is no point in offering support if individuals lack the funds to attend essential appointments. Former Labour Cabinet minister Alan Milburn, who is leading a landmark review into the youth unemployment crisis, has highlighted transport as a significant practical barrier. His interim report, published in May, noted that London has the lowest rate of unemployed young people among English regions. The capital offers free travel for those under 18 and discounted fares for those aged 18 to 21. Milburn observed that while transport is not the sole factor, it is no coincidence that the city with the best youth transport offer achieves the best participation outcomes. His full review is due to be published shortly and is expected to influence government policy on youth employment and welfare. Simultaneously, Milburn has urged stricter enforcement of smartphone bans in schools to aid engagement. Although Labour made smartphone bans mandatory in English schools starting September 1, allowing heads to determine enforcement methods, Milburn argues for universal, restrictive measures. He suggests that phones should be locked in sealed pouches or lockers to prevent distraction. A previous survey by the Children’s Commissioner indicated that eight in ten schools operated a see-no-hear policy prior to the legal mandate, where phones remained with students as long as they were switched off. Lockable, signal-blocking pouches cost approximately 15 pounds each, a burden often placed on parents in state secondary schools averaging 1,000 pupils. Milburn describes the current cohort as a bedroom generation whose brain development is hindered by excessive screen time. He and his team, including Peter Hyman and Shuab Gamote, collected testimony from 400 young people revealing patterns of late-night scrolling and disrupted sleep cycles. These habits lead to poor mental health and reduced ability to engage with education and work. Milburn emphasized that families cannot solve this issue alone and called for public policy intervention, specifically restricting social media access for under-16s. The government plans to adopt a social media ban modeled after Australian regulations, prohibiting platforms such as Instagram, TikTok, and Facebook for minors while exempting messaging services like WhatsApp. Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy indicated that this ban for under-16s would take effect in spring 2027. Restrictions on harmful features, such as livestreaming children, are also planned for under-18s, with further details expected before the end of the year. Michael Solomon Williams of the Campaign for Better Transport supported the push for affordable transport, stating that without it, opportunities for education and employment remain locked away from many young people.