Half of youngsters in East of England feel "anxious about their future" on a daily basis
The report by the King's Trust has found those not in employment, education or training (NEET) have the lowest overall wellbeing
Last updated 28th Feb 2025
The King’s Trust have found half of young people (51 per cent) in the East of England feel anxious about their future on a daily basis, with those not in employment, education or training (NEET) having the lowest overall wellbeing.
The report finds that it is young people who are out of work, education or training (NEET) who have the lowest overall wellbeing and confidence in their future compared to any other group.
In the UK today, almost a million young people are NEET, a figure which has been steadily increasing for over two years.
The 2025 Youth Index is an annual research report from The King’s Trust based on a survey of 4,285 16- to 25-year-olds across the UK.
Formerly The Prince’s Trust, they help tens of thousands of young people each year to access the opportunities and build the confidence and skills they need to move into work.
The research in the East of England found over a third of 16-25-year-olds do not think they will ever have enough money to own their own home (41 per cent), raise their own family (29 per cent) or be financially stable (29 per cent).
3\9 per cent of 16-25-year-olds in the East of England said they are worried about losing their job and not being able to find work and half said there are no good job opportunities.
The King’s Trust Head of Delivery, Rachel Edwards who works across the East of England said: “The research highlights the deep uncertainty many young people feel about their futures."
"In the East of England, concerns about job security and career prospects are negatively impacting young people’s mental health and confidence in achieving their life goals.
"Too many young people fear they will never own a home or raise a family because they cannot access secure employment.
The Index also finds that those not in work or education have the lowest overall wellbeing and confidence in their futures compared to any other group.
"Without urgent action, we risk a generation feeling locked out of accessing their potential and having stable and fulfilling lives", says Ms Edwards.
TX MAXX have supported the research for this year's Index.
European CR and Sustainability Director, Jo Murphy, said: “This year’s Youth Index sheds light on the immense pressures young people are facing today, from the lasting impacts of the cost of living crisis to the disruptions caused by the pandemic.
"We have witnessed first-hand the incredible potential of young people when they receive the right support. The majority of those who have participated in our programmes with The King’s Trust have flourished in their careers, including over 1,500 within our own business."
Rachel Edwards added: “Despite these challenges, young people remain determined to succeed. They have the ambition and potential, and we must ensure they have the right support, skills, and opportunities to take control of their futures.
“It’s crucial that we work together as a society to help young people access the training and jobs they need, which will not only transform their lives, but support and benefit the local communities they live in and help drive the local economy.”