Southgate warns remote work and taxes are hurting youth jobs
The former England manager says remote work and rising costs are stalling job creation for young people.
Sir Gareth Southgate joined former "NEETs" tsar Alan Milburn on a visit to the Netherlands to flag concerns that working from home and high employer taxes are deepening youth unemployment. Southgate, now a vocal advocate for men’s issues, told reporters that the lack of daily mentorship in remote settings mirrors the "brilliant" coaching he received in football.
“One of the brilliant things about being in football was I had a coach every day of my life, plus a support network of physios and kit men. That’s why I hate working from home.”
He argued that companies need to provide the same kind of support system, mentors, on‑the‑job guidance and a physical community, to help under‑25s transition from education to employment. The comments came ahead of Milburn’s interim review into why nearly one million young people in the UK are classified as not in education, employment or training (NEETs).
Tax pressure on employers
Southgate also criticised the rising national insurance contributions and other levies that he says deter retailers and hospitality venues from hiring fresh talent. He cited bar and restaurant owners who, faced with higher costs, view new hires as a financial risk.
Broader debate on remote work
His remarks echo criticism from business leaders such as Jamie Dimon of JP Morgan and former Marks & Spencer chairman Lord Stuart Rose, who have warned that remote work can erode workplace culture and mentorship. Even Sir Sadiq Khan, the mayor of London, has suggested incentives to bring commuters back to the city centre.
Milburn’s final report, due after the upcoming Budget, is expected to recommend policy tweaks to ease the tax burden on firms and encourage in‑person mentorship programmes. If adopted, the changes could open up more entry‑level positions and help reduce the NEET figure that costs the economy an estimated £125 billion a year.
Stakeholders will be watching whether the government acts on these recommendations, as the balance between flexible work arrangements and youth employment remains a contentious policy arena.
