Temporary work 'placing mental health of young people at risk'

The research - published by think-tank the Institute for Public Policy Research (IPPR) and charity Business in the Community - analysed the wellbeing of younger workers in flexible jobs or who were underemployed or overqualified.

It found younger workers with flexible employment status were 29 per cent more likely to suffer poorer mental health and wellbeing compared to those in secure work.

The study also revealed those workers who believed there was a 50 per cent chance of losing their job were twice as likely to experience mental health problems compared to those whose work was not threatened.

Analysis by the think-tank of the labour market showed a growth in the past 25 years in jobs that were not permanent or full time, and that compared to previous generations, current younger workers were marginally more likely to be engaged in this type of insecure work.

There was a slight rise in younger workers in part-time jobs - 26 per cent in 2014 compared to 24 per cent in 2004 - as well as an increase in younger workers who were self-employed, nine per cent compared to seven per cent over the same time period.

One in five younger workers aged 16 to 24 were found to be underemployed, working more hours than their current employment provides - more than double the rate among workers aged 25 and above.

Craig Thorley, senior research fellow at IPPR, said: "Good work can help people to lead mentally healthy lives. But for a significant number of young people, their experiences of the modern world of work would appear to be putting their mental health and wellbeing at greater risk.

"This is particularly true of those who cannot access permanent or secure work, or who are graduates in non-graduate roles.

"Without finding ways to support younger workers to progress in their careers, a significant number risk becoming trapped in a cycle of low-pay, with few prospects and low wellbeing."

Louise Aston, Business in the Community wellbeing director, said: "Responsible employers need to have a special focus on promoting and protecting the mental health of younger colleagues.

"All employees need to feel it's safe to disclose a mental health issue at work with the reassurance that they will be supported and not judged."