29 May, 2026
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ukactive has issued the following statement in response to Alan Milburn’s interim report into young people and work.
Cameron Saunders, CEO of ukactive, said: “This report into the rising levels of young people not in education, employment or training (NEET) reveals the scale of the crisis, and the role of health-related inactivity in it.
“It is particularly concerning to see that high levels of mental ill-health among young people are acting as a major barrier to education and employment.
“Physical activity plays a central role in supporting young people’s mental wellbeing. ukactive’s Mental Health in Motion report showed 72% of people with mental health conditions believed that being physically active helps them stay in work.
“However, too many young people remain inactive, with Sport England’s data showing 25.7% of those aged 16 to 24 do not meet the Chief Medical Officer’s guidelines for physical activity. For the Government to harness the untapped potential of our sector, young people must be supported into physical activity.
“Gyms, swimming pools and leisure centres also offer a variety of pathways for young people into the workplace, with a younger-than-average workforce – 30% more 16 to 24-year-olds working in the sector than the wider economy. As the industry continues to grow, the Government can maximise the opportunities it presents for employment and upskilling alongside health.
“Our sector stands ready to work with Government to address this crisis, as demonstrated by our members’ involvement in the Keep Britain Working initiative. Further interventions on tax and regulatory reform, high streets support and investment would incentivise young people to become more physically active, healthier, and more able to enter the workforce.”
To read Young People and Work: Interim Report, click here.
