Meaningful work is vital for people’s health and wellbeing Health Foundation responds to ONS statistics on young people not in employment, education or training

Jo Bibby, Director of Health at the Health Foundation commented:

'It is concerning that fewer young people are in employment or education. Meaningful work is vital for people’s health and wellbeing as it offers stability, security and a regular income, and can help contribute to a person's identity and sense of purpose. What these figures don’t tell us is the number of young people that are in insecure or poorly paid work, or those who are not gaining the right skills needed for our rapidly changing workforce. This also creates risks for young people's long term health.

'Fulfilling work that offers scope for career growth and development is one of the building blocks of a healthy future. However, young people today earn less than their parents did at the same age. They also make up a third of those on zero-hours contracts, which have been linked to increased stress and poor health. It's vital in shaping policy that decision-makers consider the impact these trends could have on the future health of our young people.'

Media contact

Susannah McIntyre
Susannah.McIntyre@health.org.uk
020 7257 2093