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New stats reveal low pay and lack of work mean young people are a ‘generation in crisis’

A new survey has revealed that under 30s are feeling worn down and anxious about the future [Photo: www.lifeofpix.com via Pexels]

Remember when you were little? The thought of becoming a proper grown up and enjoying all the trimmings that might entail – great job, nice house, wages that would get you through the month and then some – was enough to have us wishing our lives away. But now that we’re here, real life adulthood isn’t quite living up to the reality. And we’re not alone in thinking that way.

A scarily honest new survey has revealed that many under 30s in Britain are living in a state of “suspended adulthood”, with many women in particular feeling worn down, lacking self-confidence and worrying about the future.

The survey by the charity Young Women’s Trust found that millennials are a “generation in crisis” with many struggling to make ends meet, and according to the report low pay and a lack of work are largely to blame.

But that’s not the only reason, the economic climate is prohibiting many young people from leaving home, with (43%) still living with their parents, or 24% moving back in with their parents after a period away.

The charity surveyed 4,000 18 to 30-year-olds and discovered that young women were worst affected. Over a quarter (28%) of young people in work said they didn’t have enough paid hours and almost half (48%) said they are worried about how much their job pays.

And the financial pressures are affecting young women much more than men, with 39% saying they struggle to make their wages stretch until the end of the month, compared with just 27% of young men.

Young people are living in a state of ‘suspended adulthood’ a report says [Photo: Carlos R via Pexels]

The situation many young people find themselves in are also affecting how they feel with four in 10 young people reporting feeling worn down. But again there was a gender disparity with 46% of women feeling this way compared with only 38% of men.

Similarly, more women than men reported feeling a lack of self-confidence, with 54% saying this compared with 39% of men.

More young women than men were also worried about their mental health, with 38% of women claiming this concerned them compared with 29% of men.

The findings paint a gloomy picture far from the rosy adulthood many of us were hoping for. But, in a bid to offer millennials hope for the future, the Young Women’s Trust is calling on the government to put young people at the heart of policymaking.

They hope to see a minister established with responsibility for overall youth policy, including youth employment, as well as a commitment from the government to extend the National Living Wage to under 25s.

They also believe there should be a greater focus on supporting young adults - especially young women - with confidence, emotional wellbeing and employability.

The survey revealed young women are most affected [Photo: kaboompics.com via Pexels]

Dr Carole Easton, chief executive of the Young Women’s Trust, said of the findings: “At a time of life traditionally characterised by youthful confidence and optimism, it is distressing that so many young people, especially young women, are struggling to make ends meet, and are increasingly worn down and worried about the future.”

“Make no mistake about it, we’re talking about a generation of young people in crisis. And while life is hard for many young people, our survey shows it’s likely to be considerably tougher if you are a young woman,” she told The Guardian.

“It’s not in any of our interests to write off an entire generation. Much more needs to be done to improve young people’s prospects.”

“Our findings also show that there needs to be a particular focus on better understanding the needs of young women who are at real risk of being left behind.”

What do you think needs to be done to help young people? Let us know @YahooStyleUK

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