EXCLUSIVE: DWP chief warns of 'national emergency' over young people not in work or educationLabour's Work and Pensions Secretary Pat McFadden blamed the Tories for failing to tackle the growing number of young people not in work, education or trainingView Image Work and Pensions Secretary Pat McFadden (Image: PA)Labour's DWP chief has warned the number of young people not in work, education or training must be treated as a "national emergency". ‌Work and Pensions Secretary Pat McFadden blamed the Tories for failing to tackle the issue which has been growing since 2021. ‌According to the latest figures at the end of last year, around 946,000 young people aged 16-24 were not in employment, education, or training (NEET) in July to September 2025. Last year the government also launched an independent investigation in order to bring down the number of young people not in work, education or training. After the Conservatives accused the government of increasing the cost of hiring young people, he shot back: The party opposite left a shameful legacy.