A recent report addressing Britain’s mental well-being crisis has revealed that individuals in their 20s are more likely to be unemployed due to mental health issues compared to those in their early 40s. The study, conducted by the Resolution Foundation, calls for urgent action to tackle the growing concerns surrounding mental health.
The research found that young adults in their early 20s facing mental health challenges may not have had consistent access to education, resulting in unemployment or low-wage employment. Official data from 2021-22 indicates that 34% of individuals aged 18 to 24 reported symptoms of mental disorders such as depression, anxiety, or bipolar disorder, marking a significant increase from the 2000 figure of 24%. Young women are one-and-a-half times more likely to be adversely affected.
Louise Murphy, a senior economist at the Resolution Foundation, emphasized the economic consequences, stating, “The economic consequences of poor mental health are starkest for young people who don’t go to university, with one in three young non-graduates with a common mental disorder currently workless.”
The report called for government intervention, highlighting that 79% of 18 to 24-year-olds unemployed due to ill health possess qualifications at GCSE level or below, compared to 34% of all individuals in that age group. Additionally, 12% of 11 to 16-year-olds with poor mental health missed more than 15 days of school in the autumn term of 2023, emphasizing the broader impact on education.
Jo Bibby, director of health at the Health Foundation, urged policymakers to focus on fundamental elements of health, such as employment and education, to provide adequate support for young people. Bibby warned of the potential creation of a ‘lost generation’ if comprehensive cross-government action is not taken.
The study concluded that efforts to address Britain’s mental health epidemic should prioritize lower-qualified young individuals. Recommendations include increased mental health support in colleges and sixth forms and a concerted effort to ensure fewer individuals leave compulsory education with low qualification levels.
The report also highlighted that individuals with poor mental health between the ages of 11 and 14 are three times more likely not to pass five GCSEs, including maths and English, compared to healthier counterparts. In 2022, 40% of 18 to 24-year-olds with mental health problems in employment held low-paid jobs, further underlining the challenges faced by this demographic.
As the report underscores the need for immediate action, it emphasizes the importance of addressing mental health challenges among young adults to prevent long-term consequences on employment and education.
