Almost half (49 per cent) of young people in the UK feel anxious about their future on a daily basis, with over half (59 per cent) agreeing it feels frightening for their generation, new research from The Prince’s Trust reveals.
The study finds that more than one in three young people (36 per cent) think their job prospects will never recover from the pandemic, the equivalent of around 2.8 million young people across the UK. A similar report earlier this year suggested that one in five (20 per cent) felt this way.
For those from lower income backgrounds, 42 per cent do not think their job prospects will ever recover, in comparison to 29 per cent of those from more affluent families.
The research, conducted by Censuswide with 2,002 16 to 25-year-olds across the UK, asked young people how confident, hopeful and in control they felt of their lives and careers since the pandemic. It comes as The Prince’s Trust launches its ‘Class of Covid’ campaign to raise awareness of a generation of young people who are still feeling the repercussions of the pandemic on their education, employment and wellbeing, and who now face a cost of living crisis.
More than two fifths (45 per cent) agree anxiety around recent political and economic events affects them daily, with half (51 per cent) agreeing their aspirations for the future are lower now as a result of global events since 2020.
The report finds that half of respondents (51 per cent) agree the expected recession in the UK is making them more concerned than ever for their job security, with one in three no longer thinking they will achieve their career goals (33 per cent).
More than a third (35 per cent) feel their life is spiralling out of control, and for those from lower income backgrounds, this increases to 41 per cent.
Jonathan Townsend, UK Chief Executive of The Prince’s Trust said:
Young people in the UK today are facing a unique set of repercussions from the pandemic, impacting their education, employment and wellbeing, and leaving them destabilised and debilitated. As the economic climate continues to change around us, we must not turn our back on this generation. With businesses, government, charities and the public working together, we can ensure the ‘Class of Covid’ is given the opportunity to take control of their lives and build a positive future.
Two-thirds of young people agree having a clear career path (66 per cent) and having the right skills for work (65 per cent) will make them feel more in control.
The Prince’s Trust helps tens of thousands of young people each year to build the confidence and skills they need to realise their potential. Three in four young people on Prince’s Trust programmes move into work, education or training.
The ‘Class of Covid’ campaign centres around a film starring Top Boy actor Ashley Walters, as well as Prince’s Trust Young Ambassadors, highlighting the urgent need to support young people to regain their confidence and build their skills for the future. Search ‘Class of Covid’ or visit here to find out more.
