Young people say ill health keeps them out of work

For a lot of young people, staying in work isn’t just about skills. Sometimes it’s about health. Recent surveys show that many young adults say ill health is a reason they can’t work, and it’s not always visible conditions that cause the challenges.

Mental health issues are a factor

Anxiety, depression, and stress can make it hard to manage a routine or even go for interviews. Some young people also deal with conditions like chronic pain. That makes regular work hours tricky. When your mind is struggling, even small tasks can feel overwhelming.

Can flexible working help?

The problem is that workplaces aren’t always set up to support these challenges. Flexible hours or remote options can make a difference, but not every young person has access. As a result, some are forced to step back from work entirely, even if they want to be contributing and building their careers. The proportion of young people, aged 16 to 24, not in education, employment, or training who report that they have work-limiting conditions has surged by 70 per cent over the last decade.

For awareness, you can sign up to mental health training courses Blackpool. Providers such as //www.tidaltraining.co.uk/mental-health-training-courses/blackpool offer these for groups and individuals.

It’s not just about the individual, either

Being out of work can make problems worse. Financial pressure and the feeling of falling behind peers can make recovery harder. The good news is that awareness is growing. Employers, charities, and government schemes are starting to recognise the barriers young people face.