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Youth Health Crisis Blocks Jobs
16 Mar
Summary
- NEET youth reporting health issues rose from 26% to 44%
- Mental health and autism cause over two-thirds of barriers
- Overall youth ill health barriers increased 78% in a decade
New analysis reveals a significant increase in young people facing health challenges that hinder employment. Over the last decade, the share of 16- to 24-year-olds not in education, employment, or training (Neet) who report a work-limiting condition has surged by 70 percent. This figure rose from 26 percent to 44 percent, with mental health issues and autism being the predominant factors, contributing to over two-thirds of these barriers.
The problem extends beyond the Neet demographic, with a 78 percent rise in ill health cited as a barrier for all 16- to 24-year-olds, increasing from 9 percent to 16 percent. Experts caution that this trend places the current generation at increased risk for future opportunities. While the government has announced investments to support young people with health conditions back into the workplace, collaboration between policymakers and health leaders is urged to address root causes and ensure timely clinical care.
