21.05.20
Health Foundation: 'Ramifications to young people’s longer-term health’
Based on a report by the Resolution Foundation, the Health Foundation have warned of potential impacts on the longer-term health outcomes of different age groups, and in particular young people, as a result of the current coronavirus outbreak.
According to the data gathered in the report, titled Young workers in the coronavirus crisis, younger workers are more likely to have lost work and earnings as a result of Covid-19, which could then have a knock-on effect disproportionately affecting their future long-term health.
One third of 18-24-year-old employees, excluding students, had either lost jobs or been furloughed during coronavirus, compared to one in six in other age categories.
With a link between income, financial circumstances and individual health well-recognised, the loss or disruption to regular income for people risks causing significant impacts on a person’s health long-term.
Martina Kane, Policy Lead for the Health Foundation’s Young people’s future health inquiry, said: “It is concerning that the current crisis is disproportionately affecting employment opportunities for young people.
“This could have worrying ramifications for young people’s longer-term health outcomes. There is strong evidence that unemployment and poor-quality work can have a negative impact on young people’s mental health. Financial insecurity can result in poor health both now and later in life.
“Whilst the government works towards protecting the nation’s health today, there must also be steps taken to protect the jobs of young people in the future. During our Young people’s future health inquiry, we’ve spoken to many young people who already face issues relating to precarious employment conditions and the need to address this has been magnified by the current crisis.”