Young people, economic inactivity and mental health
Publication of interim report
Public Health Scotland have recently published an interim report which brings together the evidence and learning gathered about the relationship between economic inactivity and mental health among young people in Scotland.
It highlights a growing rise in health-related economic inactivity among young people aged 16–24, driven significantly by mental health and neurodevelopmental conditions. It explores the extent to which mental health might be impacting on post-school transitions to employment and driving this trend.
The report captures stakeholders’ views on how effectively the current system supports young people as they move from school into college, university, training or employment, and highlights improvements that could support more young people into sustainable work.
Next steps
To address the trends highlighted, the report calls for a whole government approach with better integrated local services, and expanded support for employers recruiting young workers.
Public Health Scotland are also currently undertaking lived experience research with young people and further stakeholder engagement as part of the next stage of this work. These findings will be brought together along with the evidence presented in the interim report to help shape the next phase of the project.
The report can be downloaded below or you can click here to review the PHS report in a different format.
