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National Youth Agency warns of 'critical' shortage of youth workers

2 mins read Youth Work Youth Justice
A critical shortage of trained youth workers is leaving young people vulnerable to escalating violence, exploitation and poor mental health, the National Youth Agency (NYA) is warning.
Youth workers are paid well below the national average salary while dealing with increased demand. Picture: National Youth Agency/Ruth Towell

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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