Rising NEET Rates Among Young Women Raise Mental Health Concerns

The number of young women aged 16 to 24 who are not in employment, education, or training, known as NEETs, has reached alarming levels. According to The Independent, almost one million young people in this age group are currently NEET, with recent statistics revealing a significant increase among women.

In the three months leading up to June, the number of NEET young women rose by 25 thousand, while the number of NEET young men dropped by one thousand. This brings the total of young female NEETs to 450 thousand, the highest figure recorded since 2016.

Several factors contribute to this troubling trend, particularly the current job market, which is characterized by fewer available positions and a rising unemployment rate. The impact of artificial intelligence on entry-level job opportunities further exacerbates the situation, according to Anna Hemmings, CEO of Smart Works, a charity supporting unemployed women in the UK.

Additionally, women are often burdened with caring responsibilities, which can further hinder their ability to participate in the workforce. Mental health plays a crucial role in this issue, with recent data from the Kings Trust indicating that one in ten NEETs left their jobs due to mental health concerns, and over a quarter report that mental health issues have prevented them from applying for jobs.

Dr. Lynne Green, chief clinical officer at Kooth, highlights that young women are more prone to common mental health problems such as anxiety and depression, and studies show these issues are on the rise.

Anecdotal evidence from young women like Megan, who left the corporate world to prioritize her mental wellbeing, illustrates the personal toll of workplace pressures. Career coach Caroline Hickey notes a trend of young women opting for breaks from work, but warns that this can lead to unintentional NEET status when they underestimate the challenges of re-entering the job market.

Chloe Combi, a Gen Z expert, emphasizes that many Gen Zers lack adequate work experience, thus making them ill-equipped for the workplace. Social media plays a role in exacerbating mental health issues, with young women often comparing themselves to unrealistic standards.

The economic pressures of childcare further complicate the situation for young mothers, as highlighted by Camilla Rigby of Womens Work Lab, noting that many mothers struggle to secure childcare, preventing them from returning to work.

This cycle raises concerns about the long-term effects on young women's careers and the potential regression in progress made on issues such as the gender pay gap. The report concludes that if young women continue to opt in and out of the workforce, they may become trapped in lower-paying jobs, diminishing their long-term career prospects.