Fixing Britain’s youth jobs crisis will require ministers to increase investment in employment support drastically while avoiding arbitrary cuts to benefits, the head of the trade union movement has said.

Paul Nowak, general secretary of the Trades Union Congress (TUC), said the government had a “once in a generation chance” to secure young people’s futures, speaking before the publication of Alan Milburn’s review of young people and work, which is expected this week.

Nearly a million young people out of work and training

Almost one million young people aged 16 to 24 are not in education, employment or training. The TUC argues that higher spending on job support, education and training would pay for itself through stronger economic growth and less pressure on the welfare system.

Polling for the Jobs Foundation found the youth jobs crisis ranked second among public concerns, after the cost of living. The foundation is launching a national campaign on Monday backed by employers including Amazon, Pret a Manger, NatWest, Marks & Spencer and Shell.

Government points to £2.5bn pledge

A government spokesperson said ministers had already pledged £2.5 billion for youth employment support, aimed at delivering almost 500,000 opportunities to earn and learn, and were working with businesses to create up to 200,000 jobs. Further reform is due after the Milburn review is published.

The TUC has separately called for the government’s Jobs Guarantee to be expanded from 90,000 places to 225,000 over three years, with eligibility brought forward from 18 months on Universal Credit to six. Its analysis estimates the expansion would need about £1 billion of extra upfront investment and generate £4.6 billion in long-term benefits.