Following the publication of the interim Milburn report, Young Women’s Trust is calling for urgent action to address the rising number of NEET (not in education, employment or training) young women which is currently at its highest level since 2014.
Kate Nightingale, Director of Communications, Campaigns and Research at Young Women’s Trust, said:
“The Milburn report is clear: the labour market is failing young people – and increasingly, young women. This isn’t about a generation giving up — it’s about opportunities disappearing.
“More young women are locked out of work or education than at any point over the last decade, despite actively looking for jobs. The entry routes they’ve traditionally relied on, like hospitality and admin, are shrinking fastest — so it’s no surprise finding work is getting harder.
“At the same time, many are taking on unpaid care responsibilities whether it’s for their children or family members. When you’ve got barriers to flexible working and astronomical childcare fees, staying in work seems impossible.
“If we want real change, we need to treat this as a gendered problem — and match it with gendered solutions.”
A young women who has experienced unemployment since graduating says:
“I’ve been struggling to find stable and supportive work since I graduated at 23. I’m now in my early 30s and whilst I’ve had a few part time roles, I haven’t had employment that lasted long or provided the support I need living with a chronic condition and balancing caring responsibilities at home. It’s been a messy endless journey but finally I have found a role that I enjoy and offers the support I need – the irony is that I only get paid for some of the work as it’s a zero hour contract that offers no stability.
“I’ve been trying my best to get by and doing what I can since graduating, but it’s really taken a toll on my mental health. Because of my circumstances I just know that a standard 9-5 job is out of the question – the jobs out there don’t fit anyone who has additional needs or challenges. It’s a vicious cycle of being out of work, being let down when opportunities arise, losing hope and then my anxiety worsens. At the end of the day, if I could find a supportive employer who could provide reasonable adjustments, I would 100% be in work and living the life I want.”