Amid the rising cost of living, an increasing number of young people are struggling to make ends meet, with many unable to afford basic expenses like rent and food without parental support. A recent survey by Citizens Advice highlights the situation, revealing that 57% of people in their 20s are behind on at least one bill.
Challenges of Independence Without Parental Support
Eleanor Bell, a 23-year-old from the East Riding of Yorkshire, is a stellar example. Raised in care and a holder of a first-class degree from the University of Central Lancashire, Eleanor faces significant hurdles. Despite her educational achievements, she has been unable to find stable employment since graduating two years ago. She’s currently residing with her boyfriend in a rural area near Penistone, South Yorkshire, without a driving licence, making job opportunities scarce.
Eleanor’s experiences resonate with many care leavers, with official statistics showing that 39% of them aged 19 to 21 in England are out of education, employment, or training. She expresses frustration over the lack of support systems and emphasises the emotional and practical gaps left by not having family to fall back on, comparing it to “hitting a wall.”
Strained Resources for Carers
In Sunderland, Sam Barrett, 24, finds herself in a similarly challenging situation. She left a full-time job to care for her mother, relying on Careers Allowance and Universal Credit, which barely cover essentials. Without the financial help that her peers often receive from their families, Sam feels the disparity acutely. Despite her frustrations, she continues her part-time studies in health and social care, hoping for a better future for carers like herself.
Job Losses Exacerbating Financial Woes
Ezgi Polat, also 23, from Cambridgeshire, faced financial difficulties after losing her job a year ago. With her family unable to assist, she quickly accrued a £4,000 debt. Her predicament worsened when the local bus service was cancelled, impacting her capability to attend essential meetings at the job centre and leading to reduced benefits. Ezgi has since secured warehouse work and is slowly repaying her debts, but she underscores the widespread misconception that young people aren’t striving hard enough for employment opportunities.
The government’s latest figures reveal nearly a million young people are not participating in education, employment, or training. While asserting their commitment to providing opportunities through investments in apprenticeships and job grants, a government spokesperson mentions initiatives like the Renters’ Rights Act designed to protect young tenants. Nonetheless, Citizens Advice’s Luke Young points out the widening divide between those with family support and those without, leaving many young individuals vulnerable amid the challenging economic landscape.
Reporting based on coverage first published by bbc.co.uk.