Young people quit UK jobs due to health issues, study finds

As work patterns change, people are becoming more worried about how job conditions impact the future of young workers. Experts believe that unstable jobs with low wages create greater health risks for workers who already have existing health problems.

The Trades Union Congress commissioned a study conducted by Timewise, which shows that young people in the UK who work insecure jobs in retail and hospitality and care sectors experience higher rates of job abandonment because of health problems.

Low-paid sectors linked to poor health outcomes

The research shows that industries employing large numbers of young workers also report the highest rates of people leaving work due to long-term sickness. The three industries which meet this requirement include accommodation and food services and health and social care.

More than 40% of workers in hospitality face insecure arrangements such as zero-hours contracts or temporary roles. Experts say such conditions can worsen both physical and mental health, which leads to higher rates of employee turnover.

The study comes as nearly 957000 young people aged 16 to 24 in the UK are not in employment, education or training. Almost half of this group are dealing with ill health or disability, which shows how serious the problem has become.

Researchers argue that simply creating more jobs is inadequate. Instead, better job conditions will reduce youth employment uncertainty and stop permanent job loss.

The results will impact the forthcoming review which Alan Milburn directs to investigate solutions for youth inactivity. The government has introduced financial incentives to motivate businesses to employ young adults.

Labour groups emphasise that workers need better protection which should include equitable compensation and work schedule consistency and paid sick time. Youth employment insecurity solutions are vital for helping young workers maintain their jobs and establish enduring professional paths.