The impact of unemployment on your mental health and wellbeing
Unemployment can have a negative impact on mental health.
Below we look at some key research and statistics behind this and how our programmes can support you not just with skills and qualifications but also with support for your mental health and wellbeing, improve confidence to enable you to progress into employment and join communities of learners.
Report from the Mental Health Foundation
According to a recent report from the Mental Health Foundation when the unemployment rate increases this has costs to society not only financially but in terms of mental health. Job insecurity is a contributing factor to lowering mental well-being and those at the highest risk tend to be earning less than the average worker. The report also details those who are on the lowest income felt they were unsupported during a period of unemployment or job loss.
Furthermore, The Health Foundation state in January 2021, 43% of unemployed had poor mental health compared to 27% of those in employment. Being unemployed could harm mental health through stress and lower self-esteem because of the loss of the day-to-day structure of work or the stigma associated with unemployment. Moving from unemployment into poor quality work can also lower mental wellbeing.
The relationship between unemployment and mental wellbeing:
• 70% of UK adults feel unemployment or job loss has a negative effect on mental health.
• 45% of UK adults associated unemployment or job loss with ‘loss’ and 25% with ‘trauma.’
• More than 1 in 4 adults who had experienced job loss or unemployment felt unsupported at the time.
Data from the Office of National Statistics
There is a clear link between mental health and employment. Those who are unemployed face increased risk of medical conditions and lower life expectancy. Being in employment can boost your mental wellbeing and give you a feeling of purpose through social interaction.
Source: Office for National Statistics Employment in the UK: October 2021
Impact on young people
Young people are the most affected by job losses due to the ongoing pandemic and has affected 16–24-year-olds more due to being employed in sectors which were shutdown during Covid-19. This age group tend to have lower qualifications and work in sectors with less protection and rights.
Source: Office for National Statistics Employment in the UK: October 2021
Youth Employment UK: Youth Voice Census 2021 Results
New data released from Youth Employment UK tells a story of mismatch and disconnect from young people across the UK. Key findings reflect growing concerns over mental health, and include:
- Anxiety, depression and mental health concerns were in the top 5 responses for young people in education, looking for work and in work when asked about their barriers.
- The level of disruption for young people has been high, with 66.4% of those in education saying learning was disrupted ‘A Lot’ or ‘A Great Deal’; and 40.5% of those in work stating that their work had been disrupted ‘A Lot’ or ‘A Great Deal’.
- Those looking for work were hardest hit with 56.2% of young people stating that coronavirus had impacted their mental health ‘A Lot’ or ‘A Great Deal’, and 42.1% of young people reported that their motivation to apply for opportunities had been impacted ‘A Lot’ or ‘A Great Deal.’
Click here to read the full report from Youth Employment UK.
How our programmes support your mental health and wellbeing
We support learners and participants on our programmes and qualifications in a variety of different ways, from dedicated Wellbeing Officers, mental health support on our traineeships and fortnightly updates on news and resources of where to go for help from our Personal Development, Behaviour and Attitude (PDBA team).
When joining one of our programmes or courses, you will get the opportunity to meet new people that are looking to overcome barriers, gain qualifications and training, boost their confidence and progress into employment.
Shaw Trust Academies
Our Shaw Trust Academies have dedicated Wellbeing Officers that will support you to overcome barriers, build your confidence in your own skills and abilities and tailor support to your needs.
More than just qualifications and training, the Academies are run by expertly trained staff, with Wellebing Officers trained in mental health, and further 1-2-1 support provided by dedicated progression officers that will help you into employment.
You get to meet to meet like-minded people whilst on the Academy that are overcoming barriers and have been unemployed for different lengths of time.
Traineeships
Our traineeships provide a full programme for young people aged 16-24, and include support for mental health and wellbeing, learning about how to manage money which can reduce stress and a dedicated team to support with employability skills from CV writing to gaining confidence with interview skills.
Traineeships include a high-quality work experience placement where individuals are supported with a mentor where they can discuss their day, tasks and any problems they might be having.
Connecting Choices
Connecting Choices supports unemployed people into training, education, volunteering and work in the Stoke-on-Trent area.
Participants might have barriers to progression such as a social isolation, lack of confidence, no work history and low self-esteem.
Working with partner charities such as Starfish Social Hub participants can join a community of people who are also looking to build their confidence, skills and self-belief through workshops including creative writing and clay pottery.
 The programme is funded by the European Social Fund and The National Lottery Community Fund.
Personal Development, Behaviour and Attitude (PDBA)
Fully supporting all of our courses and programmes is a personal Development, Behaviour and Attitude team. As part of our ‘Grade 1’ Ofsted ‘Outstanding’ award, the team provide a fortnightly magazine covering a range of current topics, news and support networks for open discussion in lessons and meetings.
If you want to support someone’s mental health and wellbeing, we have a range of qualifications in health and social care, from short courses to Apprenticeships.