12 Protection Partner Article The impact of early diagnosis on Gen Z and teenagers Mental health conditions in the UK are increasingly identified during adolescence and early adulthood, with 41% of 15 to 19 year olds suffering from an anxiety disorder – higher than any other market analysed. While earlier recognition should bring clear benefits for treatment, there are worrying signs that this is not translating into young people who are ready to join the workforce. Currently, nearly one million young people (13% of those aged 16 to 24) are not in education, employment or training (NEETs) – the highest level in five years. The government’s Keep Britain Working Review, in which Zurich UK is participating in the “vanguard” phase to help create a workplace health standard, showed that investment alone is not enough without early intervention and stronger education to work pathways. This report should be a wake up call to link mental health pathways to workforce participation and to strengthen early intervention in work through employer provided workplace health provision. “The rise in youth mental health care needs is the start of a wave that will shape the UK’s workforce for a generation. Early intervention is key, and it’s the only way to stop today’s challenges from becoming tomorrow’s crisis. We know that those who are off work for less than twelve months are nearly five times more likely to return than those off for longer, highlighting the need for rapid employer led intervention and structured return to work support. Unless we intervene, mental health risks will become a persistent drag on productivity, economic growth and social mobility.” Peter Hamilton, Head of Market Engagement at Zurich UK. “The rising rates of mental health conditions and high numbers of young people not in education, employment or training are deeply concerning, and the two are closely linked." “Young people who are NEET are more likely to suffer from mental health conditions such as depression or anxiety, while also missing out on the social, structural and therapeutic benefits that education or work can offer. On top of this, the cost of economic inactivity is deeply concerning." “As legislators, we have a duty to close the employment gap, cut the cost of economic inactivity, reduce mental health waiting lists and deliver parity of esteem between mental and physical health.” Sojan Joseph, MP for Ashford, Hawkinge and the Villages and Chair of the All Party Parliamentary Group on Mental Health, “Mental ill health remains one of the leading causes of workplace absence, both short and long term. Many people living with mental ill health want to work but feel held back, whether through loss of confidence or harmful workplace experiences." “We’re grateful to our organisation for its commitment to mental health and for the partnership that is helping ensure thousands more people across the UK can access support when they need it most.” Victoria Hornby, CEO of Mental Health Innovations. Our Value of Mental Health report is part of a series showcasing the value that can be preserved through approaches to mental health that support wellbeing, strengthen organisational performance and maintain resilient protection systems. You can download the report here
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