By Amber Roman
02 Mar 2024, 09:00 AM EST
A recent report has revealed a new trend: young people facing mental health challenges are more likely to find themselves unemployed or trapped in low-paying jobs.
Funded by the charity The Health Foundation, The study, carried out by the British think tank The Resolution Foundation, highlights the urgent need for multi-party policy measures to avoid a possible “lost generation” of young workers.
The findings reveal a significant increase in mental health problems among young people. In 2021/22, 34% of young people aged 18-24 reported symptoms of mental disorderswhich represents an increase of 10% compared to the figures reported in 2000.
Of particular concern is that young women face a greater burden, with 41% experiencing mental health problems compared to 26% of young men.
The report highlights the close relationship between mental health and employment. Between 2018 and 2022, approximately 21% of young people aged 18 to 24 with mental health problems were unemployed, compared to just 13% of those without mental health problems. Additionally, 40% of young people with mental health problems were in low-paying jobs, compared to 35% of their healthier peers.
The connection between mental health and academic performance is also curious. 79% of young people unemployed due to mental health problems were found to have qualifications at GCSE level or below, compared to 34% of all youth in the same age group.
Support young people’s mental health
This highlights the need to intervene early to support at-risk youth and provide them with the tools necessary to succeed in both education and employment.
Jo Bibby, director of health at the Health Foundation, urges policymakers to focus on providing a solid foundation in education and employment for young people. It warns that without coordinated action, a “lost generation” could emerge due to poor mental health.
In response to these challenges, the government has highlighted its £2.5 billion “Back To Work” plan, designed to help 1 million people find employment, including those with long-term health problems and disabilities. This scheme offers personalized support through advice and guidance to help young people find jobs that match their skills and needs.
Additionally, it was noted that the government has allocated “record levels of support for mental health”, totaling £16bn last year, including £1bn earmarked specifically for children and young people. However, some critics argue that more targeted and coordinated measures are needed to address the interrelated challenges of mental health, education and employment among young people.
As a last resort, A comprehensive response is needed that addresses both the symptoms and underlying causes of the mental health crisis among young people. Only through determined and coordinated action can we hope to reverse this worrying trend and ensure a prosperous future for generations to come.
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