The rise in the number of young people with mental health problems is putting pressure on the economy, the report warns

THE rise in the number of young people claiming to have mental health problems is putting a major drag on the economy, a report warned today.

It is stated that people in their early twenties are more likely to be out of work due to poor health than people in their early forties.

More than a third of 18-24 year olds say they have had symptoms of mental health disorders – more than any other age group, despite this being the least affected segment 20 years ago.

Worryingly, the number of young people without jobs due to poor health has more than doubled in the past decade, from 93,000 to 190,000.

The Resolution Foundation document shows this is more concentrated among less educated young people, with 79 percent of those unemployed only having qualifications at GCSE level.

The think tank’s Jo Bibby said: “The increase in the incidence of mental illness in young people is one of the biggest health challenges we currently face.

“It is already having a direct impact on the health and well-being of millions of people.

“It also poses a major challenge to economic and government spending through the welfare system and pressure on the NHS.

“Without concerted, intergovernmental action, we risk creating a ‘lost generation’ due to poor health.”

Government spending on disability benefits was £29 billion in 2022-23, but is expected to rise to £55 billion by 2028.

Welfare Secretary Mel Stride last year announced a raft of measures to get people back to work, as bosses turned to migrants to fill record vacancies.