Nicola Aylward, Head of Learning for Young People at Learning and Work Institute, said:
- We welcome the APPG for Youth Employment’s focus on the impact of mental health on young people’s access to the labour market and good quality work. The pandemic, economic instability and the cost of living crisis have exacerbated the mental health challenges that young people face. At the same time, the UK labour market has seen a growth in the number of young people who are economically inactive, meaning they are not in employment and not looking for work.
- Our joint report with The Prince’s Trust, Power of Potential, showed that the proportion of out of work young people reporting a mental health problem increased from 11% in 2011 to 30% in 2022. Additionally, some young people are more likely to experience mental health problems than others. This compounds existing disadvantage and barriers to employment.
