Why employment is more than ‘just a job’
We’re passionate about employment.??
If that sounds like a non sequitur, we get it. The headlines, data, government departments and White Papers can be dry, and?“employment” doesn’t necessarily incite passion and emotion.?
But here’s the thing – for the roughly 1 in 8 young people in the UK who are not in employment, education or training (NEET)1, we think it should.?
For them, being in work is a big deal, and not simply because of the benefit it brings to society, important and valid though this is (estimates suggest that reducing the number of NEET young people to the same levels as the Netherlands could generate ￡69 billion in GDP2).??
For Spear Programme trainee Ruqayyah, who didn’t leave her room for a whole year, or Charlie, who couldn’t afford the money to buy a bed frame for his mattress, getting into work is so much more than ‘just a job’. It’s:?
?? Financial freedom?
The UK is a nation notoriously coy when it comes to speaking about money, especially our salaries. But let’s not be embarrassed to say it – at the most basic (and we hope, obvious) level, having a fair wage pays the bills.?
For the nearly three quarters of young people currently at university who report financial issues are a major source of stress3, or the more than 1 in 20 young people who reported missing a day of work due to money worries, this is important3.?
“I was very shocked and very stressed and panicked because I had lost my job. [With Spear’s help], I am starting soon with my new job. It is a massive relief to have financial stability again.” - Victoire, Spear H&F?
But a salary is more than making ends meet. It’s the peace of mind in knowing you can afford to pop the heating on; the pride of picking up the bill for a round of drinks for colleagues, and the self-worth that comes with setting aside some savings for a holiday.
??? Improved mental health?
That there is a mental health epidemic in the young now seems indisputable.?
The latest Youth Voice Census from Youth Employment UK reports on its “most anxious Cohort yet”, with 3 in 5 young people reporting feeling anxious3. If you’re unconvinced by young people’s own responses, the Institute for Fiscal Studies agrees: their analysis of benefit claimant statistics revealed that “claimants were [trending] younger, and their claims increasingly focused on mental health.”?
It’s great news, then, that a job is good for our mental health - whether it's the community and friendship to be found amongst colleagues, or the simple fact of having a routine and reason to get out of bed in the morning.?
“People would always ask me why I didn't have a job, and tell me I was being lazy - using anxiety as an excuse for not having a job. ... I struggled to even leave the house, and any sort of public transport was like, no way. But two weeks into Spear I was on a train for the first time on my own. Spear helped me come out of my shell and be more confident and believe in myself.” - Spear Bournemouth trainee
In what feels like a catch-22, more than half of young people agree that having a job is, or would be, good for their mental health?, but 43% state that anxiety is their biggest barrier to accessing work in the first place2.??
The Spear Programme is a proven way of breaking this vicious cycle, offering expert coaching to challenge young people out of their comfort zones, in a safe and non-judgmental environment where they are supported to grow in confidence and resilience.
??? Self-worth??
Yes, work can be stressful. At worst, an uninspiring role can be disheartening and demoralising.?
But at best (and the way we think work should be), a job provides purpose. That’s not because every person will work on a charitable frontline, but because a job can offer the opportunity to apply your skills, have your voice heard, and grow your aspirations.?
It might feel nebulous, but it’s no less important – working reassures the worker that they have worth and value:?
“I felt like I was in a really big pit, I was at the bottom and I couldn't get out of it. ... I felt completely useless and hopeless. ... [When] I applied for an IT apprenticeship ... they responded saying that they got my application. Knowing they got my application, it was something. It really felt like I was acknowledged.” Alex, Spear Bristol??
“Now, there's a clear path forward for me. It's the first time in a very, very long time where I feel truly hopeful about my future and that I'm actually doing something with my life. I feel extremely hopeful. I think that great things are to come and that I'll do well.” - Vlad, Spear Preston?
Employment is important – for the obvious reasons, and for the ones we are guilty of taking for granted.?
It's not just a job. A career is a gift.?
That’s why this Christmas, we’re aiming to raise ￡80,000 to help 40 young people access the life-transforming coaching of the Spear Programme, and kickstart their career for themselves.?
Just ￡15 would help cover the cost of three young people travelling to their first ever interview, and getting started on their career journey.?
If you’re able to donate and help us towards our target, you can do so here:?www.resurgo.org.uk/donate