The Milburn review has, quite rightly, focused attention on young people and their employability. With approximately one million not in education, employment or training (NEETs), the case for action is clear. Yet much of the debate continues to focus on the supply side: preparing young people, building their skills and making them work-ready. These are important issues, but employers ultimately create the opportunities that young people move into, and there is a risk that we spend less time understanding what enables employers to create those opportunities in the first place. At The St Martin’s Group, we believe employer evidence should play a central role in shaping skills and employment policy. That is why we commissioned new research with the Learning and Work Institute. From Appetite to Opportunity: What employers need to recruit more young people draws on a survey of 1,039 HR decision makers, alongside reflections from our new Employer Insights Panel. Become a member for unlimited access to FE Week Our members enjoy early access to exclusive content and in-depth articles before anyone else. Get expert journalism on FE and skills, experience fewer ads, and unlock a growing range of member benefits. subscribe If you have an account, please login. Sign in