Alan Milburn

They haven't got their GCSEs, but can they communicate?

Can they collaborate?

Have they got enough confidence?

Have they got agility?

Have they got adaptability?

So there's something in the school curriculum

And the primacy that we place on qualifications, say, over work experience, that is causing young people a problem down the line.

So there's no doubt that those policies have had an impact.

I mean, that's clear.

Every employer has raised Nick's national minimum wage with me.

There's no doubt about that.

And the truth is, every time an employer takes out a young person, it's a risk because they're unproven.

It's not like we've got a track record or a CV.

They haven't.

And in fact, nowadays, the nature of the cohort coming into employment is bringing with it, because there are more anxious generation, higher levels of mental health, et cetera,

It brings a bigger pastoral burden for employers.

So at the margins, employers are now going, well, hold on a minute.

Is it worth it?

Well, what I'm saying to the government, I mean, I'm going to make some recommendations in the autumn.

This is a diagnostic report.