2/3 UK’s youth feel permanently disadvantaged by pandemic

Almost two thirds (60%) of the UK’s 13-25-year olds feel their ‘ghosted’ generation will be permanently disadvantaged by the pandemic, revealed a new study from the Co-op today.

In fact, the study which looks at the attitudes, life chances and aspirations of young people has found that children as young as 10 years old think the pandemic will affect their chances for the rest of their life. The research is one of the largest post-pandemic studies of its kind, with over 5,000 10-25-year olds across the UK.

DEVASTATING IMPACT ON EDUCATION

The devastating impact of Covid-19 on youth education is clearly highlighted in the findings. Amongst school aged children, the research shows nearly half (47%) of 10-15-year olds feel they have fallen behind in the past year; with almost two thirds (59%) also feeling the pressure to ‘catch up’ quickly. Additionally, just under a third of (29%) young people say the pandemic has made them less likely to continue with further education entirely.

When it comes to work and careers, hopes are also dashed, with over half (55%) feeling young people have been pushed to the back of the queue on job opportunities. In fact, over a quarter (28%) of 16-25 year olds feeling that the pandemic has ruined their career dreams. Two thirds (65%) also believe that competition to get a job has increased so much it feels impossible. As a result, over half (58%) of young people feel that the Government has failed their generation in its handling of the pandemic; and as many as one third (37%) feel the odds are now stacked against them.

YOUTH AMBITIONS & ASPIRATIONS

Despite the impact of the pandemic, the research still shows that young people do have ambitions and aspirations for the future. However, there is a hope deficit that has emerged between the ambition of young people and their belief in being able to reach these goals.

The findings highlight that 90% of young people aspire to be financially secure, yet only two-thirds (67%) believe they will achieve this. Over four-fifths want to own their own house (83%), but again only two-thirds (66%) feel this is within their reach for them.

Other key goals include earning more than their parents with over three quarters aspiring to this goal (74%). However, only 60% feeling this is within their grasp. Furthermore, although over half of youth want to run their own business in the future (53%), only two fifths (42%) actually feel this is possible. 

CAREER & LIFE PATH

In addition, the research demonstrates the key challenges ahead with the levelling up agenda, with many young people feeling their life path is already set by the age of 20. Overall, the results show that 39% of 20-25-year olds feel their future path has already been decided for them. This finding is even more stark amongst young ethnic minorities, with over two-fifths of Black young people (42%), and of Asian young people (40%), believing their future path has already been decided for them; compared to only one quarter (28%) of White young people.

 “Young people are the DNA of the future of this country, and we simply cannot have a situation where the majority of them – the Ghosted Generation – feel like they cannot change their path or improve their life chances. And where Black and Asian young people are more likely to feel that way,” stated Steve Murrells, CEO of Co-op Group. “This research shows the ambition is there and we see firsthand that talent is spread in every community, but opportunity is not.”

BUILDING BACK BETTER WITH YOUTH

A the Co-op Murrells has made it his priority to ensure his organisation listens to what young people need to help more of them get on in life; no matter where they live or their background. “That’s why we have an active Young Members’ Board for our business and are continually looking for new ways to develop opportunities for them; including our new Apprenticeship Matchmaking Levy scheme and innovative virtual work experience programme,” he explained.

“However, to make up the lost ground, truly build back better and make sure no young person or community gets left behind, we need urgent bold, joined up action across government, business and education to make sure young people are actively considered in decision making. We believe changes, such as the development of a government youth strategy and introduction of a Youth Minister in cabinet with cross departmental responsibility, would better enable the voices and needs of young people to be better heard and met.”

SUPPORTING YOUTH

Jack Parsons, CEO of The Youth Group, also recently provided some great advice on how to support youth to boost their career prospects, despite the Covid-19 challenges. Click here to read more.