Young people today face many challenges; as an example, economic uncertainty means that finding steady employment, affordable homes and long term financial security can become challenging. The United Nations’ (UN) International Youth Day aims to raise awareness of these issues, and encourage youth civic engagement in order to ensure that we can confront environmental, social and economic threats effectively. Below are some facts about youth issues in the UK:
- 72% of 18-21 year olds are reported to be earning less than the living wage
- Home ownership rate has halved for 25 year olds in the last 20 years
- Around 35,000 young people are in homeless accommodation at any one time across the UK, with hostels always full or oversubscribed
- Unemployment rates are three times higher for 16-25 year olds when compared with the rest of the UK population
- By 2018, unemployment and underemployment is predicted to affect a third of all 16-25 year olds
- Those graduating from English universities owe an average of £44,000, the highest level of university debt in the ‘English-speaking world’
For more information on Youth International Day, please visit the UN website. Alternatively, get involved with empowering youth at ukyouth.org