Data released today by the Office for National Statistics shows that 473,000 women aged 16-24, are out of work and full-time education. Those who are working face stagnant wages, while the cost of living continues to increase.
Commenting, Young Women’s Trust chief executive Dr Carole Easton OBE says, ‘Today’s figures show that half a million young women are now out of work and full-time education. Those in work face stagnating wages, while the cost of food and other everyday basics is rising. This is making life even harder for thousands of young women – many of whom are already skipping meals and using food banks in a struggle to make ends meet.
‘Young Women’s Trust research shows that more than half of young women are worried about the future, often due to serious financial and housing pressures. Low pay and job insecurity, combined with rising costs, mean many are falling into debt, moving back in with their parents and putting their lives on hold.’
Half (51 per cent) of young people are worried about their future, including 55 per cent of young women; the main issues young people raise are low pay, job insecurity and housing.
Two fifths (39 per cent) of young women say they struggle to make their cash last until the end of the month and 25 per cent are in debt all of the time.
A quarter of young people say they had to move back in with their parents because they could not afford rent.
‘Much more needs to be done to improve young people’s prospects – or even more will be driven to food banks. Young women say they want to work and be financially independent. This means giving them the right skills and support to find jobs, ensuring decent and flexible jobs are available, and paying a living wage that doesn’t discriminate against age. This would benefit businesses and the economy too.’
Further reading on stagnant wages
