James Watt: Andy Burnham blames everyone but himself for the NEETs crisis
Telling young people they’ve been let down by ‘the system’ is a narrative of despair that removes all agency from young people. If Andy Burnham really wants to help NEETs he should get out of employers’ way, says James Watt Andy Burnham’s recent comments about the growing number of young people not in education, employment [...]
James Watt, entrepreneur and founder of Brewdog, has criticized Labour leader Andy Burnham's approach to addressing the NEET crisis. Burnham recently blamed the growing number of young people not in education, employment, or training on an education system that failed to provide opportunities, stripping young people of agency. Watt argues that telling young people they are victims of circumstance removes their ability to take control of their own lives and futures.
He contends that personal responsibility is essential for progress, and that young people should understand that their choices matter, regardless of their starting point. Watt also highlights the irony of an elected Labour politician blaming "the system," when Labour is the government responsible for making it increasingly difficult for businesses to hire, particularly young people.
He points out that increased employer National Insurance contributions, reduced thresholds for employer National Insurance, rising minimum wages for young workers, and increased business rates have all contributed to a challenging environment for job creation. Watt concludes that government's role should be to remove barriers, reward work, and protect freedom, rather than creating dependency by blaming external factors.
He urges Burnham to tell young people the truth: "Your future is not the government's responsibility. It is yours."
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