Youth unemployment
Between January 2022 and December 2022, the unemployment rate for 16–24 year olds in the borough of Rochdale was 16.9 per cent. This is above the average in the North West, which was 12.9 per cent, and in England, which was 10.7 per cent according to NOMIS.
The impacts of unemployment on health
Unemployment is associated with an increased risk of ill health and mortality. There are relationships between unemployment and poor mental health, suicide, self-reported ill health and limiting long-term illness as well as a higher prevalence of risky health behaviours including alcohol use and smoking among unemployed people (NOMIS - Labour Force Survey).
Links between unemployment and poor mental health may be explained by some of the impacts of unemployment: stigma, isolation and loss of self-worth. People with long-term psychiatric problems are less likely to be in employment than those with long-term physical disabilities, despite indications that most people with severe mental illness would like to work.
Outcomes wanted for residents in terms of employment
Ideally, residents of working age in Rochdale borough who are able to work would find meaningful employment enabling them to support themselves. However, this isn't always the case. This meaningful employment would support their mental wellbeing and allow them to build up income so that by the end of their working lives they are in relatively good health and able to enjoy retirement.
Statistics on youth economic activity
- Nomis - Labour market statistics - the Office for National Statistics publishes labour market statistics through the Nomis website and the annual population survey contains data on employment, unemployment and economic inactivity by age group.
- Office for Health Improvement and Disparities (OHID) - Wider determinants of health profile - this profile features information on the wider or social determinants of health, including data on employment and the labour market.
Guidance on youth economic activity
- Office for Health Improvement and Disparities (OHID) - Local action on health inequalities: Reducing the number of young people Not in Employment, Education or Training (NEET) - this review is intended primarily for directors of public health, public health teams and local authorities. It aims to describe and demonstrate effective, practical local action with regards to reducing the number of young people who are NEET.