Motion 19
Growing Youth Unemployment is a Growing Public Health Crisis
“That this Congress notes in youth economic inactivity we are seeing sickness as an emerging driver for the figures. This is concerning as a range of studies have found that unemployment increases susceptibility to illness and mental stress. So, the health crisis we see now, which is only increasing in magnitude, will create a spiral of further problems which will lead to a far greater health crisis if it is not addressed now.
“Congress commends the STUC for the work it does on challenging the Government – both in Scotland and at Westminster on employment statistics, however it is important that we connect the rise in sickness as a driver for youth economic inactivity with decisions being made in health where the investment in mental health support is not adequate. We also firmly reject the narrative being played out by politicians and the media that attempts to paint young people as work-shy and perpetuate the long-outdated stigma that mental ill health is an excuse of poor self-discipline.
“Congress calls on the STUC to work with health unions on gathering the data to drive a greater investment in mental health for 16 to 24 year olds to try to prevent a worsening mental health crisis.”
Mover: Chartered Society of Physiotherapy
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