Recent research has unveiled alarming trends regarding young people’s employment in the UK, revealing that those in low-paid, unstable jobs are more likely to leave work due to health issues. A study commissioned by the Trades Union Congress (TUC) and conducted by consultancy Timewise highlights a concerning correlation between job quality and economic inactivity among the youth, as unemployment in this demographic continues to rise.
The Link Between Job Quality and Health
The report underscores the precarious nature of employment in sectors where young people are predominantly employed, such as hospitality, retail, and care services. The analysis found that over 40% of employees in the accommodation and food services sector are engaged in insecure work arrangements, including zero-hours contracts and low-paid self-employment.
Clare McNeil, the chief executive of Timewise, emphasised that these poor-quality jobs contribute to a “rising epidemic of inactivity” among young people, many of whom already face disabilities or mental health challenges. “Expecting young people to take up insecure, physical, inflexible work when they are facing a disability or mental health problems is futile,” McNeil stated, highlighting the unsustainable nature of these roles.
Economic Inactivity Among Young People
The study’s findings are particularly sobering, with official statistics revealing that in the last quarter of 2025, 957,000 individuals aged 16-24 were not engaged in employment, education, or training (Neet), representing 13% of the total youth population. Alarmingly, nearly half of this group reported having health issues or disabilities that hinder their ability to work.
The analysis pinpointed specific roles at higher risk of leading to long-term economic inactivity due to health problems, including hospital porters, kitchen staff, and transport drivers. These positions are not only vital to the economy but also critical pathways for young people entering the workforce.
Government Response and Future Initiatives
As the government prepares to address this escalating issue, former Labour cabinet minister Alan Milburn is set to release a report this summer focused on youth inactivity. In parallel, Work and Pensions Secretary Pat McFadden has introduced a £1 billion initiative to combat youth unemployment, offering financial incentives to employers who hire young individuals who have been out of work for extended periods.
Milburn has expressed concerns about the shifting expectations for young people’s future, stating that many parents fear their children will not achieve the same level of success they experienced. “There’s a broader fear that parents and grandparents have, that their kids are not going to do as well as we’ve done,” he remarked, reflecting a sentiment that many feel is unprecedented in recent history.
The Importance of Employment Rights
Paul Nowak, TUC’s secretary general, reiterated the critical connection between job quality and economic inactivity. He advocates for the full implementation of the government’s Employment Rights Act, which aims to provide workers with greater security and benefits. “Young people need good secure jobs with decent prospects,” Nowak insisted, highlighting the necessity of protections such as statutory sick pay and predictable shift patterns.
Some provisions of the Employment Rights Act are set to take effect this month, while others, such as the right to reasonable notice of shift patterns, will be implemented in 2027. The success of these measures will be crucial in determining the future landscape of youth employment in the UK.
Kate Nicholls, chair of UKHospitality, pointed out that the hospitality sector can serve as a valuable entry point into the job market if it can offer quality and supportive roles. However, she cautioned that the rising costs of employment are affecting the availability of entry-level positions. Similarly, Helen Dickinson, chief executive of the British Retail Consortium, warned that if job security measures are perceived as burdensome, employers may become hesitant to offer flexible opportunities that are essential for young people.
Why it Matters
The findings of this research highlight a critical juncture for youth employment in the UK, emphasizing the urgent need for systemic changes that prioritise job quality over sheer availability. As young people grapple with unemployment and the ongoing challenges of health-related work absences, it is imperative that policymakers heed these warnings and act decisively. The future of a generation hangs in the balance, and without robust employment protections and opportunities for growth, the potential for economic mobility will remain stifled.
