The APPG for Youth Employment is delighted to launch its next inquiry as it aims to better understand the impact of mental health on young people accessing the labour market and quality work. The 2022 Youth Voice Census revealed that young people now believe their mental health is one of their biggest barriers to employment and Youth Employment UK called the findings a Mental Health Emergency. Other leading organisations including the Resolution Foundation and The Prince’s Trust have cited that mental health is having an impact across the youth labour market and economic inactivity.

For this inquiry the APPG for Youth Employment will explore the following key question – How is mental health affecting young people accessing the labour market and quality work?

Expert speakers have been invited to give evidence at two parliamentary sessions and external organisations can now submit their own evidence based on the following inquiry questions:

1. What impact is mental ill-health having on young people when transitioning into education, employment or training? Are there any differences for young people with protected characteristics?
2. What support is available to young people with mental ill-health who are currently in education, training or employment? How effective is this support? (which groups does this work for)
3. What additional support could be offered to young people with mental ill-health to get them into work, education or training?
   a) Examples of evidence and best practice
   b) What recommendations would you put forward?
4. What are the likely impacts on youth employment should these proposed recommendations take place?
   a) Are there specific short term implications?
   b) What are the long-term implications?

Please read the full guidance document for written submissions found here. Submissions that do not adhere to this guidance may be rejected. Deadline for written submissions is the 9th December 2022 at 5pm.

Meeting Dates 2022/23 – please register to attend via Eventbrite links, you will need a copy of your ticket to enter the parliamentary buildings.

25th October  – external organisations will be invited to give evidence – Book here

29th November – external organisations will be invited to give evidence

24th January  – a Minister will be invited to give evidence and receive a copy of the Inquiry Report.

For all inquiry questions please email joshua@youthemployment.org.uk