Young people are more likely to be out of work because of ill health than people in their early 40s. This report by Resolution Foundation explores the relationship between the mental health and work outcomes of young people.
According to the research, people in their early 20s with mental health problems may have not had access to a steady education and can end up out of work or in low-paid jobs.
34% of people aged 18 to 24 reported symptoms of mental disorder, such as depression, anxiety or bipolar disorder in 2021-22. This is a significant increase on the 2000 figure of 24%, with young women one-and-a-half times more likely to be negatively affected.
The report, which called for government action, also found that 79% of 18 to 24-year-olds who are workless due to ill health only have qualifications at GCSE level or below. This compares with 34% of all people in that age group.
Meanwhile, 12% of 11 to 16-year-olds with poor mental health missed more than 15 days of school in the autumn term of 2023, compared with one in 50 healthier classmates, the report said.