Young people concerned about future job prospects

Research from the Prince’s Trust and YouGov reveals how more than a quarter of 16-to-25 year olds (29 per cent) feel their future career prospects have already been damaged by the coronavirus pandemic, while 46 per cent say that finding a job now feels “impossible”.

The research shows how 43 per cent of young people across the UK feel their anxiety levels have increased as a result of the crisis, with 32 per cent saying they are “overwhelmed” by feelings of panic and anxiety on a daily basis.

The survey of 1,022 16 to 25 year olds reveals the extent to which concerns about future employment prospects are weighing on young minds. While half (49 per cent) worry it will be harder than ever to get a job, 69 per cent feel like their life is on hold and a third (33 per cent) feel that everything they have worked for is now “going to waste”.

The poll shows how almost half (47 per cent) do not feel in control of their lives. This is a significant increase compared with similar research conducted just five months ago, which showed that 38 per cent felt this way.

Jonathan Townsend, UK Chief Executive of The Prince’s Trust said: "This report paints a truly stark picture of how the coronavirus crisis is impacting young people all over the UK. An alarming proportion of young people are feeling increased levels of anxiety, and fears are building about their future.

“We cannot allow this crisis to cripple the aspirations and prospects of our nation’s young people. The Prince’s Trust is here to help young people through this challenging time, and government, employers and charities need to work together to stop the economic effects of this pandemic from spiralling out of control.”