The British Chambers of Commerce (BCC) has raised urgent concerns over the future of young people in the UK, warning of a “lost generation” in its latest publication, Creating Job Opportunities for Gen Z.
The report reveals that almost one million 16 to 24-year-olds are not in education, employment, or training — a sharp increase of 110,000 compared to the previous year. In light of this, the Cambridgeshire & Peterborough Chamber of Commerce is calling for immediate, coordinated action from businesses and education partners through two major programmes: the Youth Guarantee Trailblazer and the Local Skills Improvement Plan (LSIP).
Cambridgeshire & Peterborough is one of only eight areas across the UK chosen to deliver the Youth Guarantee — an ambitious scheme led by the Combined Authority to create structured, practical routes into employment and training. The programme is underpinned by close collaboration with employers and education institutions to provide timely support and guidance for young people at risk of long-term disengagement.
Simultaneously, the Chamber is advancing the LSIP — a government-backed programme that ensures skills provision is aligned with the needs of local industries. The aim is to open up access to relevant training and quality employment opportunities across the region.
Charlotte Horobin, CEO of the Cambridgeshire & Peterborough Chamber of Commerce and a Youth Guarantee Programme Board member, commented:
“We know from our LSIP that too many young people in our region are disconnected from education and employment. These new figures from the BCC are alarming — but we have the tools to make a difference. By connecting businesses with local training providers, we can build confidence, open doors, and give young people the skills they need to thrive.”
In 2024, 3.6% of 16- and 17-year-olds in Cambridgeshire and Peterborough were classified as NEET, slightly above the national average of 3.2%, marking the region’s highest NEET rate since comparable records began in 2016 and continuing a two-year upward trend from 2.9%.
The LSIP is already making headway in addressing critical skill shortages across sectors such as Digital & IT, Life Sciences, Agri-tech, and Advanced Manufacturing. Meanwhile, the Youth Guarantee aims to intervene early and empower young individuals before long-term joblessness takes root.
Nick Frank, LSIP Project Manager at the Cambridgeshire & Peterborough Chamber of Commerce, said:
“The latest BCC report highlights a worrying trend, with too many young people disconnected from education and work. Having spent time as a teacher, I know how vital it is to provide real opportunities. Through the LSIP, we’re bringing together local employers, education providers, and stakeholders to ensure young people have access to pathways like internships, T-levels, and apprenticeships that equip them with the skills they need to succeed.”
The Cambridgeshire & Peterborough Chamber of Commerce is calling on local employers to get involved. Businesses can register for the upcoming Labour Market Insights Webinar by visiting the Chamber’s event page here: https://www.cambridgeshirechamber.co.uk/event/quarterly-regional-labour-market-analysis-webinar-3/
They can also view previous webinar replays and access the latest youth employment data and regional labour market trends by visiting the Chamber’s webinar page: https://www.cambridgeshirechamber.co.uk/webinars/
Employers are also encouraged to attend the Talent Workshop at CambsB2B North, hosted by the Citizen Hub. This event will provide practical insights into supporting and developing future talent. More information and registration details can be found at https://cambsb2b.co.uk/north/.
For those seeking more tailored support, businesses can email [email protected] to connect directly with the Chamber’s Local Skills Improvement Plan (LSIP) team for one-to-one advice on navigating the skills landscape and shaping their future workforce.
