A new report by the Keep Britain Working Review reveals that young people with mental health conditions are nearly five times more likely to be economically inactive than their peers. This underscores the challenges many face early in their careers, with significant barriers to entering the workforce.
The Discovery Phase report, led by Sir Charlie Mayfield, former John Lewis boss, examines rising economic inactivity levels and outlines how government and businesses can address the issue. Key findings include:
- Health-related Inactivity: About 25% of those economically inactive due to ill-health are under 35.
- Work-Limiting Conditions: 8.7 million UK adults live with work-limiting health conditions, including 1.2 million aged 16-34.
- Mental Health: Young people with mental health issues are 4.7 times more likely to be economically inactive.
- Return to Work: Those out of work for less than a year are five times more likely to return to employment than those out longer.
Liz Kendall, Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, emphasized the government’s focus on early intervention and creating inclusive workplaces. She noted reforms in the Pathways to Work Green Paper and the Plan for Change, which aim to prevent long-term economic inactivity.
The report highlights the substantial economic potential of improving prevention, retention, and return-to-work strategies. Tackling illness-related inactivity could boost the economy by £150 billion annually. Reducing youth unemployment could add 1.8% to the UK’s GDP, or £38 billion.
The government has already invested £26 billion into NHS services, including mental health, and recruited 8,500 new mental health workers. The Talking Therapies program has assisted nearly 70,000 individuals in returning to work.
This analysis sets the stage for further consultations with businesses and stakeholders to develop actionable recommendations by Autumn 2025.
Source: Keep Britain Working Review, 2025
Excerpts from nationalhealthexecutive.com article
