Foundation Youth Futures weighs in on recent labour market statistics from ONS
In a groundbreaking report, researchers from the University of Manchester and University College London have shed light on the factors driving the increasing economic inactivity among young people (aged 16-24) not in full-time education in the UK. The study reveals that long-term sickness, particularly mental health conditions, have become the primary driver of this concerning trend.
The report, the first of its kind, assesses the strength of evidence supporting each potential driver of worsening youth mental health. It found that approximately 820,000 young people—or around 20.1%—are currently neither working nor actively seeking employment, marking a significant increase from 15.7% in 2021, equating to about 250,000 more economically inactive young people.
Long-term sickness has been identified as the main driver behind this increase, with mental health issues such as anxiety, depression, and other related conditions being the most frequently reported cause. This trend contrasts with the period after the 2008 financial crisis, where most young people not in education or work were actively seeking jobs.
The rise in economic inactivity persists despite some growth in overall employment and is accompanied by a rising youth unemployment rate, underscoring the challenges faced by this demographic in entering the labor market. The research highlights the need for preventative solutions that involve collaboration between health services, education, employers, civil society, and other stakeholders.
However, the report does not provide specific details about the potential drivers of worsening youth mental health that were found to have the strongest evidence. It does, however, reinforce the need for mental health to be prioritized, emphasizing the lasting negative impacts of being out of work and education on young people's future prospects and well-being.
The report, titled "Understanding the Root Causes of Worsening Mental Health in Young People in England," aims to help policymakers and stakeholders better understand and address the complex issues facing young people in the UK today. As the research underscores, the rising economic inactivity among young people not in full-time education presents serious implications for youth employment and well-being.
The groundbreaking report underscores the importance of mental health in understanding the reasons for the rise in economic inactivity among young people, as mental health issues have emerged as the primary driver of this concerning trend. Additionally, the report advocates for collaboration between various sectors, including health services, education, and employers, to develop preventative solutions that address both mental health and youth employment, which are intertwined aspects of education-and-self-development and health-and-wellness.
