Young people 'anxious' about future as youth unemployment on the rise

Young people in Wales are feeling increasingly more anxious about their future, according to new research.

It comes as youth employment rates decreased last year.

According to The King's Trust figures, nearly three in five young people in Cardiff feel anxious about their future on a daily basis, with many citing struggling to secure stable employment as a factor.

The new research showed young people in the Welsh capital felt uncertain about their prospects, with 39% believing they will never own their own home and 32% unsure they’ll earn enough to raise a family.

According to those surveyed, these concerns have had a detrimental impact on mental health with 45% believing that their worries have worsened their mental health.

However, amongst the young people who are employed, 72% said securing a job has made them feel more optimistic about their future.

The latest Welsh Government figures, published in September 2024, showed that the employment rate for young people aged 16 to 24 fell to 54% - down 3.5 percentage points from the previous year. The figures do not include students and reflect those actively looking for work.

The statistics also highlighted gender disparity amongst young males and females.

Rio Joseph, 19, from Cardiff, experienced months of unsuccessful job hunting which caused his mental health to suffer.

After completing a Law, Psychology and Sociology course at Cardiff and Vale College, Rio was eager to start working and saving for his future.

However, due to his dyslexia, he found the application process particularly difficult when having to write detailed job applications.

“I applied for around 16 jobs over the span of four months but didn’t hear back from at least 14. Over those four months I began to feel like I’d never find any sort of stable or lasting job.”

The constant rejection took a toll on his confidence.

After months of unsuccessful job applications, he came across The King’s Trust’s TK Maxx Get Into Retail programme. This provided him with vital experience, which ultimately led to a role as a Loss Prevention Officer at TK Maxx.

“I was in such a bad place before The Trust, but in trusting the process my life has transformed far better than I would have ever expected. I’m finally proud to have found a job that I can smile in.”

The King’s Trust has stressed the need for greater support in helping young people gain skills and work experience.

Rhian Mathias, Head of Delivery at The King’s Trust Wales, said: "Those not in work or education have the lowest overall wellbeing and confidence in their futures compared to any other group. Without urgent action, we risk a generation feeling locked out of accessing their potential and having stable and fulfilling lives.”

She added: "Despite these challenges, young people remain determined to succeed. They have the ambition and potential, and we must ensure they have the right support, skills, and opportunities to take control of their futures.

"It’s crucial that we work together as a society to help young people access the training and jobs they need, which will not only transform their lives, but support and benefit the local communities they live in and help drive the local economy."

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