United Kingdom
Young adult unemployment
Key points
- The 'unemployment rate' is the proportion of the 'economically active' population who are not working (i.e. the number who are unemployed divided by the number who are either in paid work or unemployed, excluding those who are 'economically inactive' from both the numerator and the denominator).
- The unemployment rate for 16- to 24-year-olds rose sharply in 2009, from 15% in 2008 to 19% in 2009. However, the rate had already been rising for a number of years before the recent recession, from 12% in 2004 to 15% in 2008.
- The unemployment rate for 16- to 24-year-olds is now more than three times the rate for older workers. By contrast, in the mid-1990s, it was 'just' twice the rate for older workers. Putting this point another way: the overall unemployment rate in 2009 was similar to that in the mid-1990s, but the rate for 16- to 24-year-olds was much higher and the rate for older workers was somewhat lower.
- As a result, two-fifths of all those who are unemployed are now aged under 25.
- Averaging across 2007 to 2009, the unemployment rate was higher for young men than for young women: 18% compared with 14%. This contrasts with the situation for those aged 25 to retirement, where the unemployment rates for men and women are similar.
- At 20%, the unemployment rate for 16- to 24-year-olds is highest in London.
- See the indicator on the wider issue of lack of work among working-age adults as a whole.
Graph 1: Over time (proportions)
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Graph 2: Over time (numbers)
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Graph 3: By gender
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Graph 4: By region
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Why this indicator was originally chosen
The unemployment rate among young adults is significantly higher than for adults over 25. As with other age groups, unemployment for young people is a major cause of low income and deprivation.
From a health perspective, the mortality rates of unemployed young men are higher than for the employed. Drever, F and Whitehead, M Health inequalities, ONS, 1997, page 154. Among the younger unemployed (ages 16-44) where men had a 58% and women a 69% excess. There are also concerns about the connections between unemployment and suicide rates, and there is evidence of a correlation between unemployment and the incidence of major depressive illness. Weissman et al, (1991) cited in Rutter, M and Smith, D (eds) Psychosocial disorders in young people, time trends and their causes, John Wily & Sons, 1995, page 592.
Definitions and data sources
The first graph shows the unemployment rate for those aged 16 to 24, compared with those aged 25 and over (up to retirement).
The second graph shows the same information but in terms of the actual numbers unemployed.
The third graph shows how unemployment rate for 16- to 24-year-olds varies by gender, with the equivalent data for those aged 25 to retirement also shown. To improve its statistical reliability, the data is the average for the latest three years.
The fourth graph shows how unemployment rate for 16- to 24-year-olds varies by region. To improve its statistical reliability, the data is the average for the latest three years.
'Unemployment' is the ILO definition, which is used for the official government unemployment numbers. It comprises all those with no paid work in the survey week who were available to start work in the next fortnight and who either looked for work in the last month or were waiting to start a job already obtained.
The unemployment rate is the percentage of the economically active population who are unemployed (i.e. the number who are unemployed divided by the number who are either in paid work or unemployed).
The data source for all the graphs is the Labour Force Survey (LFS) and relates to the United Kingdom. The figures for each year are the average for the four quarters of the relevant year.
Overall adequacy of the indicator: high. The LFS is a large, well-established, quarterly government survey designed to be representative of the population as a whole.
External links
- See the 2009 Joseph Rowntree Foundation report setting out the arguments for and against raising the value of Jobseeker's Allowance.
- See the Reform 2007 report entitled Welfare isn't working: the new deal for young people.
- See the Joseph Rowntree Foundation 2004 report entitled Vulnerable young men in fragile labour markets.
Relevant 2007 Public Service Agreements
Overall aim: Maximise employment opportunity for all.
Lead department
Department for Work and Pensions.
Official national targets
None.
Other indicators of progress
Overall employment rate taking account of the economic cycle.
Narrow the gap between the employment rates of the following disadvantaged groups and the overall rate: disabled people; lone parents; ethnic minorities; people aged 50 and over; those with no qualifications; and those living in the most deprived Local Authority wards.
Number of people on working age out-of-work benefits.
Amount of time people spend on out-of-work benefits.
Previous 2004 targets
As part of the wider objective of full employment in every region, over the three years to Spring 2008, and taking account of the economic cycle, demonstrate progress on increasing the employment rate.
Relevant government policies
The numbers
Graphs 1 and 2
| Year | Unemployed as a proportion of the economically active | Number unemployed | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Age 16 to 24 | Age 25 to retirement | Age 16 to 24 | Age 25 to retirement | |
| 1995 | 15.7% | 7.4% | 730,000 | 1,690,000 |
| 1996 | 15.4% | 6.8% | 710,000 | 1,570,000 |
| 1997 | 14.1% | 5.7% | 650,000 | 1,320,000 |
| 1998 | 13.5% | 5.0% | 610,000 | 1,160,000 |
| 1999 | 12.9% | 4.8% | 580,000 | 1,120,000 |
| 2000 | 12.4% | 4.3% | 560,000 | 1,010,000 |
| 2001 | 12.0% | 3.9% | 540,000 | 920,000 |
| 2002 | 12.2% | 3.9% | 560,000 | 940,000 |
| 2003 | 12.4% | 3.7% | 570,000 | 890,000 |
| 2004 | 12.3% | 3.4% | 580,000 | 810,000 |
| 2005 | 13.0% | 3.4% | 600,000 | 810,000 |
| 2006 | 14.2% | 3.9% | 660,000 | 940,000 |
| 2007 | 14.5% | 3.7% | 680,000 | 900,000 |
| 2008 | 15.1% | 4.1% | 740,000 | 1,010,000 |
| 2009 | 19.1% | 5.7% | 920,000 | 1,440,000 |
Graph 3
| Year | Age 16 to 24 | Age 25 to retirement |
|---|---|---|
| Males | 18.4% | 4.8% |
| Females | 13.9% | 4.1% |
Graph 4
| Region | Age 16 to 24 |
|---|---|
| East | 14% |
| East Midlands | 16% |
| London | 20% |
| North East | 19% |
| North West | 18% |
| Northern Ireland | 13% |
| Scotland | 14% |
| South East | 14% |
| South West | 12% |
| Wales | 17% |
| West Midlands | 19% |
| Yorkshire & Humberside | 17% |