Context
Andrew Lewin highlighted the barrier to employment for young people due to mental health issues, citing a conversation with the manager of the Hatfield jobcentre.
Question
I am fortunate in my community that we have an above average number of 18 to 24-year-olds, but when I was talking to the manager of the Hatfield jobcentre just last week, they said that the single biggest barrier to young people getting into work is their mental health. Can the Minister say a little more about our objective of helping young people into work? Does he agree that the only way we will succeed in growing the economy is by helping those people overcome the barriers with their mental health?
Answer from The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Work and Pensions (Andrew Western)
My hon. Friend is correct to highlight the importance of tackling economic inactivity in order to drive up economic growth. This Government understand the negative effects that unemployment can have on mental health, particularly among young people, which can impact future prospects. The youth guarantee will help address barriers faced by young people to ensure that they can access quality training opportunities and apprenticeships or help to find work, boosting their confidence and giving them the very best chance of success in the workplace.
Not addressed: Specific details on how jobcentres will directly address mental health barriers for young people were not provided.
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