The British Chambers of Commerce (BCC) has issued a stark warning in its latest publication, Creating Job Opportunities for Gen Z, pointing to a mounting youth unemployment crisis and the risk of an emerging “lost generation.”
The report notes that close to one million 16 to 24-year-olds in the UK are currently not participating in work, education, or training — a figure which has grown by 110,000 in the past year. In light of this, the Cambridgeshire & Peterborough Chamber of Commerce is taking proactive steps, calling on the local business community and education sector to act urgently via the Local Skills Improvement Plan (LSIP) and the Youth Guarantee Trailblazer.
The Youth Guarantee, led by the Cambridgeshire & Peterborough Combined Authority, is being delivered in just eight pilot regions across the UK. The initiative seeks to establish clear, accessible routes into employment and training, offering structured support to young people through collaboration with employers and education providers.
Complementing this is the Chamber-led LSIP, a national initiative designed to make education and training more responsive to local business needs. The programme is already helping to build stronger pathways between learners and employers, ensuring that skills development aligns with the region’s economic demands.
Charlotte Horobin, CEO of the Cambridgeshire & Peterborough Chamber of Commerce and a board member for the Youth Guarantee initiative, 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 addressing skills shortages across fast-growing industries like Agri-tech, Life Sciences, Digital & IT, and Advanced Manufacturing. Meanwhile, the Youth Guarantee is providing preventative support to help young people build confidence and find long-term success.
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 lsip@cambscci.co.uk 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.
