Losing work at an early career stage can have damaging ramifications for lifetime incomes and long-term health Our response to ONS UK labour market data

Commenting on Office for National Statistics (ONS) data on the UK labour market: June 2020, Policy Lead for the Health Foundation’s Young people’s future health inquiry Martina Kane said:

'It is extremely worrying to see that young people are being disproportionately affected by the economic impact of COVID-19, experiencing a bigger increase in the Universal Credit claimant count than the rest of the population amid a backdrop of plummeting job vacancies. Losing work at an early career stage can have potentially damaging ramifications for lifetime incomes and long term health. During our Young people’s future health inquiry we’ve spoken with many young people already facing issues with employment, and today’s statistics suggest that the pandemic has only magnified these issues, with consequences for their future health prospects.

'While the government works towards protecting the nation’s health today, the future health of young people – our nation’s greatest asset – must remain a top priority. Ultimately, protecting and providing secure and rewarding employment opportunities for young people is essential to ensuring healthy futures for this 'lockdown generation'.'