The UK is facing a crisis. Almost one million young people are not in education, employment, or training (NEET)—the highest figure in over a decade. Government responses focus on tightening benefits and enforcing rigid job mandates, but this is the wrong approach.
NEETs don’t need a stick—they need a carrot of opportunity.
The truth is, this generation is not without resources. What they lack in financial capital, they make up for in human capital—skills, creativity, and untapped potential. The challenge isn’t their willingness to work; it’s that the system isn’t set up to recognise or nurture their capabilities.
The GAME Plan: Unlocking Human Capital for Sustainable Livelihoods
At the Academy of Life Planning, we see a clear solution. The GAME Plan, the framework at the heart of the M-POWER movement, shifts the focus from dependency on institutions to self-agency and entrepreneurship.
Rather than pushing young people into jobs that don’t align with their strengths or aspirations, we identify their innate talents, leverage entrepreneurial opportunities, and create sustainable livelihoods.
This means:
✅ Recognising human capital—Every young person has unique skills, experiences, and passions. We help them uncover and monetise them.
✅ Building entrepreneurial pathways—With technology and global connectivity, young people can create sustainable income streams outside of traditional employment models.
✅ Providing ethical guidance—Instead of forcing compliance, we empower young people with real-world financial strategies, ensuring they can plan their lives and finances effectively.
✅ Creating inclusive support systems—We collaborate globally to make financial education, business tools, and mentorship accessible to all—not just those who fit a predefined mould.
A Movement for Change
M-POWER is a global initiative that equips young people, professional planners, and autonomous firms with the tools to take control of their financial futures—without reliance on product-driven financial services or outdated government schemes.
By embedding the GAME Plan into NEET strategies, we shift from a culture of dependency to a culture of empowerment. We’re not just tackling unemployment—we’re creating a movement where young people lead their own futures.
The government’s approach is misguided. Rather than punishing vulnerability, we should be fueling potential. The question isn’t “How do we force NEETs into work?”—it’s “How do we equip them to thrive on their own terms?”
M-POWER holds the answer. It’s time for a new approach.
Academy of Life Planning 