Outlook inequality: communicating to the COVID generation

As we are all aware the pandemic has had adverse effects on society as a whole, but one thing eminent is these effects have been felt differently by various individuals in society. There is a consensus that young people have been one of the groups hit hardest by the COVID-19 economic fallout. Young people have been disproportionately affected by this crisis, they have been more likely to experience a sustained reduction in pay, be put on furlough or let go from their jobs altogether, all of which risks impacting their longer-term health and livelihoods negatively.

According to a new report by think tank, The Social Market Foundation, ‘outlook inequality’ is prohibiting young people from achieving their potential. Outlook inequality can be defined as the idea that young people from specific backgrounds have less belief in their ability to achieve their goals, this can cause negative implications for their lives and career opportunities. Data from the report found that young people are less optimistic now than they were after the financial recession of 2008. The report also found that three in five young people from lower-income households think their life goals are unachievable.

A stable job and adequate accommodation which offers security are one of the essential building blocks that support young people to live a healthy life, contributing to feelings of independence and resilience, opening up a range of possibilities. Unfortunately, many young people have fallen through the cracks of society, and this has led to pent up feelings of hopelessness and despair.

Many have warned that youth unemployment is the Government’s Achilles heel that will come back to haunt the nation’s recovery from the pandemic. Post-pandemic it is fair to say that the economic condition of society and the pressures of the pandemic has led to anxiety for many young people. Young people are one of societies greatest assets, and it is essential that the Government puts this group at the heart of its COVID-19 recovery strategy. The country’s future prosperity depends on the health and wellbeing of the next generation, so as the opposition, Labour should continuously ensure that they advocate for this group whilst making sure that its manifesto and policies are targeting the ‘COVID generation’ providing them with the support they need.

This is a particularly unique position for Starmer’s administration to build upon the Youth Manifesto published in 2019 by Corbyn’s administration. The manifesto provides plans and aims that put young people at the heart of society. His cabinet created strategies and policies aimed at cultivating an environment for young people and the next voting generation to thrive. Amongst these policies, is the ‘Only Young Once’ campaign that provides a bold vision for rebuilding youth services across the whole country, which aims to tackle rising levels of knife crime and county lines, mental ill-health and loneliness, rising exclusions and exam pressures. 

Keir and his shadow cabinet should take radical steps, to build upon this manifesto. Ensuring that a green-centred environment, social mobility, quality housing and employment prospects are deemed attainable for all young people in society.

Dolapo Akinbolagbe
Tulchan