In a concerning trend, the United Kingdom is grappling with a sharp rise in youth unemployment, with over 560,000 individuals aged 16 to 34 out of work in the first quarter of 2023, according to data released by the UK’s Office for National Statistics.
Experts attribute this alarming increase to a burgeoning mental health crisis, emphasizing a correlation between the rising economic inactivity and inadequate investment in health services. The Health Foundation’s report underscores that the current generation of 16 to 34-year-olds is as likely to report a work-limiting condition as those aged 45–54 years a decade ago.
A survey conducted by the ONS labor force reveals that approximately 36% of individuals within the 16 to 34 age group who are unemployed also grapple with mental health problems. Predominantly, issues such as depression, anxiety, and nervousness were identified as prevalent concerns among these young individuals.
David Strain, a professor at the University of Exeter and Chair of the British Medical Association’s Board of Science, attributes the health crisis to difficulties in accessing mental health services and a lack of investment in the public health sector. He highlights a shift from a national health service to a focus on treating the sick rather than maintaining overall health.
Strain acknowledges the potential impact of long Covid on the situation but underscores the challenge of quantifying its exact influence. Researchers suggest that the surge in individuals unemployed due to mental health problems reflects a post-pandemic effect. However, they assert that these issues are not novel and have been part of a broader trend dating back almost a decade to 2012.
According to a Health Foundation report, the number of people not working due to mental health issues has nearly doubled over the past 11 years, escalating from 6.7% in 2012 to 12.7% in 2023. The report signals a critical need for comprehensive strategies to address mental health challenges, emphasizing the importance of both employment and mental health support to foster the well-being of the younger workforce in the UK.
