The NYA’s 2025 Workforce Survey Report, alongside a review of job vacancies, “underscores the urgent need for investment in sustainable, well-paid roles to attract and retain qualified professionals in the sector”, says the organisation.
The government’s forthcoming National Youth Strategy offers a “crucial opportunity” to address the issue, it adds.
Key findings from the survey include that a quarter of youth work jobs pay below the national living wage, with nearly a third (29%) being temporary or zero-hour contracts.
It also found that the average salary of £21,084 falls far below the UK national average of £36,920.
In addition, the analysis finds the sector is blighted by a decline in qualified youth workers: Since 2021, 4,500 practitioners have left the sector linked to funding cuts of £1.2bn.
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