ALMOST half of young people have been unable to afford major milestones such as moving out of their parents’ home, new research shows.

Similar proportions have delayed learning to drive and say that job opportunities in their local area are poor.

Foodbank network Trussell, which commissioned the research, said that without better support “we risk a generation of young people being weighed down by financial hardship and at risk of turning to a foodbank.”

Some 43 per cent of the 16 to 25-year-olds polled felt they would need to move elsewhere to find employment.

But just a third thought they could afford to do so, according to the Savanta survey.

Just over half also said that financial pressures had delayed them being able to buy a home.

The findings were published as new figures on the number of 16 to 24-year-olds not in employment, education or training (Neets) are expected to be published tomorrow.

Helen Barnard, director of policy and research at Trussell, said that the figures showed “too many young people are being held back because of financial barriers that are out of their control.

“Major milestones that previous generations often took for granted — like moving out of home or learning to drive — have become luxuries that are increasingly out of reach.

“At the same time, young people are being locked out of work, as they face limited job opportunities and cannot afford to move elsewhere to find work.”

The latest data, published earlier this year, showed Neets rose to 1.01 million in the three months from January to March.

A government-commissioned review has estimated this number could rise to one in six young people in Britain by 2031, representing 1.25 million young people.

Ms Barnard referenced Prime Minister Andy Burnham’s pledge on his first day in No 10 to “bring back hope.”

She said: “Hope starts with security and opportunity.

“That’s why Trussell is calling for better employment support and training opportunities, stronger financial security and improved support with housing costs — because every young person deserves a fair start in life.”

Recommendations for fundamental reform are expected in former Labour cabinet minister Alan Milburn’s final report into young people and work, which is due to be published in the autumn.