Mental Health Challenges Are Pushing Young Workers Out of Employment: A Call for Action
Recent research has highlighted a troubling trend: young people in the UK, particularly those aged 16 to 34, are increasingly being pushed out of the workforce due to mental health struggles. Young individuals with mental health conditions are nearly five times more likely to be unemployed than their peers, with a significant portion of the working-age population now unable to work due to health issues.
The Keep Britain Working Review, commissioned by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP), brings attention to the rising number of young people leaving the workforce. Over the past decade, there has been an alarming increase of 1.2 million individuals within this age group who are unable to work because of mental health-related conditions. This is part of a broader issue of economic inactivity linked to long-term illness, which is preventing many young people from beginning their careers.
The Economic Impact and Government Action
The economic cost of mental health-related work absences is profound. According to the review, improving sickness absence management and reducing long-term sickness could add £150 billion annually to the UK economy. The Plan for Change also aims to overhaul employment policies to reduce reliance on benefits and boost productivity.
The government has already begun addressing these challenges, emphasizing early intervention and more inclusive work environments. Employers are urged to prioritize mental health, offer flexible work options, and make reasonable adjustments to help retain young workers. These changes could help bridge the skills gap and enhance employee retention, especially in industries struggling to find talent.
The Role of Employers in Supporting Mental Health
As the issue of mental health in the workplace continues to rise, employers must play an active role in providing a supportive environment for all workers, especially younger employees. Those businesses that invest in employee wellbeing see higher retention rates and reduced recruitment costs, proving that mental health support is not only beneficial for workers but for the organization as a whole.
With mental health challenges continuing to impact the workforce, the review calls for a collaborative approach between businesses and policymakers to ensure a more inclusive and supportive work environment.