The Story
Why are so many Gen Zers not working?
Feb 12, 2025
Lara Spirit, a political correspondent at The Times, and Tanya Marwaha, a passionate mental health campaigner, delve into the striking survey on Generation Z's mental health and employment. They discuss the alarming rise in long-term sickness among young adults and the unique challenges faced by Gen Z in the workforce. Personal experiences of mental health struggles and the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on their lives provide deep insights. The importance of better support systems and addressing misconceptions about work ethic emerges as a vital theme.
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Quick takeaways
- One in three young people from Generation Z have sought mental health support, highlighting a significant shift in their openness to discuss emotional challenges.
- The rise in long-term sickness among young people raises urgent questions about the adequacy of current government support systems for transitioning into the workforce.
Deep dives
Rising Economic Inactivity Among Young People
The UK is experiencing a concerning trend in economic inactivity, particularly among young people. One in every 15 individuals of working age is now classified as long-term sick, with this figure being significantly higher than in Germany and Italy. Surprisingly, a notable portion of this demographic consists of youths, highlighting a shift in the workforce where young people are increasingly unable to work due to health issues. This situation raises alarms about the long-term economic implications, as many of these youths are not seeking employment despite expressing a desire to work.
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