Further indication that young people have been one of the hardest hit by the pandemic's economic fallout Health Foundation response to ONS data on COVID-19 and labour market outcomes for young people

Responding to Office for National Statistics data on Coronavirus and changing young people’s labour market outcomes in the UK, Director of Health at the Health Foundation Jo Bibby, said:

'Today’s new ONS data further indicates that young people have been one of the groups hit hardest by the COVID-19 economic fallout. High-quality work which offers secure income is one of the essential building blocks that support young people to live a healthy life, contributing to feelings of independence and resilience, and opening up a range of possibilities.

'As part of our ongoing COVID-19 impact inquiry, we’ve seen that young people have been disproportionately affected by this crisis, having been more likely to experience a sustained reduction in pay, be put on furlough or let go from their jobs all together, all of which risks their longer-term health and employment prospects.

'Young people are one of our nation’s greatest assets, and it is essential that the government puts this group at the heart of its COVID-19 economic recovery plans. The country’s future prosperity depends on the health and wellbeing of this age group, so we must ensure this ‘lockdown generation’ are provided with the support they need.'