Youth Unemployment and Political Disaffection Among UK Young People
Between July and September this year, 946,000 young people aged 16-24 in the UK were neither working nor studying, representing more than one in ten of that age group. Young men are more likely to be in this NEET (Not in Education, Employment, or Training) category, with higher unemployment rates especially in the North East and East of England. Over half of these young people have a health condition, and about one in five suffer from a mental health issue.
Political polling conducted in the autumn by More in Common indicates that the Green Party is strongest among young women, while Labour maintains a lead overall among under-30s. Among young men, support is divided, with 20% supporting Nigel Farage's party or the Greens, and the Reform Party leading among those without a degree. According to Luke Tryl of More in Common, this reflects rising disaffection with mainstream politics, driving increased support for Reform and the Greens.
A cabinet minister has acknowledged youth unemployment as the paramount issue for this generation and their families. In response, the government plans a Youth Guarantee, which will offer 18 months of guaranteed paid work to young people who have been out of work and not studying for 18 months. Liz Kendall had previously introduced the 'right to try' concept, allowing people to trial a job without losing benefits if the job does not work out.
Alan Milburn is leading a review on youth unemployment, which is expected to be published next year. The review highlights several structural challenges facing young people, including rising education costs, a stagnant economy, changes to welfare, the effects of higher taxes and minimum wage on hiring, and increasing ill health and mental health problems among the youth.
