Usdaw’s ‘Time for better pay’ survey of 2,000 workers under the age of 27 showed that:
- Over the past five years, 44% of young workers have seen no improvement in their financial situation.
- Over the past 12 months, 85% of young workers have had to borrow money to pay everyday bills.
- Young workers are 50% more likely to rely on insecure hours than their older colleagues.
- 72% of young workers believe that financial worries are having an impact on their mental health.
Paddy Lillis – Usdaw General Secretary says: “Having a job can be a positive influence on our lives, but can have a significant impact on mental health. Being in work can provide greater financial security, more structure in our lives and an increased sense of purpose. Many jobs also give us an opportunity to socialise with colleagues, creating friendships that can continue outside of the workplace.
“However, the overall impact that any job has on our mental health is not straightforward and will depend on many factors. Work-related stress, insecure employment contracts or dealing with abusive customers are all workplace issues which can have a negative impact on young workers mental health.
“Usdaw understands how working practices can impact on young workers’ mental health and we provide support for members in raising the issue with their employer. Through young workers coming together in a union, we can ensure that common risk factors are addressed.”
Notes for editors:
Usdaw (Union of Shop, Distributive and Allied Workers) is the UK's fifth biggest trade union with over 400,000 members. Membership has increased by more than one-third over the last couple of decades. Most Usdaw members work in the retail sector, but the union also has many members in transport, distribution, food manufacturing, chemicals and other trades.
Usdaw’s young workers campaign: https://www.usdaw.org.uk/Campaigns/Young-Workers
Usdaw’s ‘It’s good to talk’ campaign: https://www.usdaw.org.uk/Campaigns/Mental-Health
Usdaw’s ‘Time for better pay’ campaign: https://www.usdaw.org.uk/Campaigns/Time-4-Better-Pay
For Usdaw press releases visit: http://www.usdaw.org.uk/news and you can follow us on Twitter
@UsdawUnion