Britain needs a new social contract to restore young people’s faith in the future, says Ali Rehman Malik
Abdullah Jan
Islamabad: Ali Rehman Malik, Chair of the Institute of Research and Reforms (IRR) International and a philanthropist, has called for a new social contract between Britain and its younger generations, warning that millions of young people no longer believe the traditional pathways to stability and prosperity remain attainable.
In an opinion piece, Malik said the longstanding promise that hard work, education and social contribution would lead to a secure future had weakened significantly, leaving many young people struggling with economic uncertainty and limited opportunities.
He noted that for a growing number of young Britons, employment no longer guarantees financial stability, higher education does not necessarily translate into opportunity, and home ownership has become increasingly difficult to achieve. As a result, key milestones of adulthood, including financial independence, starting a family and long-term security, are moving further out of reach.
Citing concerns among younger generations, Malik said anxiety about employment, personal finances and housing had become widespread, creating a sense of uncertainty about the future.
“A society cannot expect long-term cohesion when large numbers of young people feel permanently trapped between adolescence and survival,” he said, adding that social and economic stability depend on younger generations believing they have a meaningful stake in the future.
According to Malik, the challenge extends beyond low wages and rising housing costs. He argued that young people are increasingly being asked to shoulder greater financial, social and psychological pressures while lacking the stability and support systems that previous generations often enjoyed.
He welcomed recent political discussions surrounding greater support for young people, including proposals aimed at improving opportunities for those under 30, but stressed that policy discussions must now be followed by concrete action.
“What Britain needs is a realistic and long-term strategy that restores dignity, stability and opportunity for younger generations,” he said.
Drawing on the work of IRR International, Malik highlighted the importance of community-based initiatives that provide mentorship, discipline and practical support for young people. He pointed to projects undertaken in partnership with local stakeholders, saying such programmes demonstrate the positive impact of investing directly in youth development.
Malik argued that a renewed social contract should begin by creating more credible pathways into adulthood. Among his recommendations, he called for workers aged 18 and 19 to receive the full National Minimum Wage, saying younger employees should not be treated as participants in a discounted labour market.
He also advocated reforms to the higher education system, arguing that universities should place greater emphasis on practical skills, employability and adaptability to better prepare students for modern working life.
Malik said many young people feel disconnected from institutions and policymaking processes, often believing their concerns are overlooked despite being directly affected by decisions shaping the country’s future.
“A healthy society is one where young people feel they have a stake in the future they are helping to build,” he said.
Warning of the consequences of inaction, Malik said frustration, alienation and social fragmentation could continue to grow if policymakers fail to address the concerns of younger generations.
He urged decision-makers to move beyond debate and focus on implementing meaningful reforms, saying the key challenge facing Britain is whether it can rebuild trust and opportunity before an entire generation loses faith in the prospect of shared progress.
