The forgotten generation: the effects of Covid-19 on young people
Opinium partnered with My Life My Say to survey 18 to 24-year olds about COVID-19 from 22nd to 26th May 2020. The aim was to gain their perspective on the global pandemic and how it has impacted their lives. Three-quarters (73%) believe it has had the biggest personal impact on them compared to any other social, political or economic event in their lifetime.
Two thirds (63%) are now worried about their future prospects, with 52% concerned about their ability to save for the future, and 49% about their ability to buy a property. Two in five (42%), who currently in employment, are worried about losing their job and a third (48%) of renters are anxious about paying rent.
Among those who are students, currently unemployed, or expect to have to find a new job as a result of the economic fallout, 61% say they expect to struggle to find employment.
The research also reveals young people do not feel the government is doing enough to support their generation. Less than three in ten 18 to 24-year-olds (29%) think the government is taking them into account when making decisions relating to lockdown and social distancing. Furthermore, only a quarter (26%) feel clear about how the government will support young people during the crisis, and just 29% are clear about support they will receive after the virus has eased.
Read the full report here:
