Young people’s aspirations for post-lockdown Scotland
Young people explored the recovery on different groups and communities of young people − including unemployment and socio-economic inequality.
During lockdown, our Young Scot Co-design team delivered two independent pieces of research on young people’s ideas on how Scotland should recover from the COVID-19 pandemic. These independent pieces of work were commissioned by the Scottish Government’s Directorate for Housing and Social Justice, and the Scottish Government's Advisory Group on Economic Recovery.
The Directorate for Housing and Social Justice wished to identify the medium and longer-term impacts of COVID-19 on young people in Scotland and what young people felt should be the priorities and key policy ideas that the Scottish Government should address as part of the recovery.
The Advisory Group on Economic Recovery was keen to identify the employment impact on young people. This involved finding out more about young people’s future career hopes and aspirations – alongside emerging opportunities that might be arising from the crisis. They were also keen to gain insight about the implications of the recovery on different groups and communities of young people − including unemployment and socio-economic inequality.
Young People’s Response to Medium Term Covid-19 Recovery:
This digital workshop explored:
The medium and longer-term impact of COVID-19
The positive reforms and shifts emerging
The priorities and early policy ideas that are most relevant for young people
Of the 49 young people who took part, almost all had worries about the current crisis. These included not being able to easily access healthcare services, difficulty getting online due to poor internet connections, parent or guardian losing their job, difficulty affording food and families struggling to pay bills.
Having identified their worries, the young people explored positive reforms and shifts emerging. Many spoke of the growing sense of community, alongside the positive leadership of the Scottish Government. There was also an appreciation of the work of the third sector, and they were thankful to organisations that were providing free courses, study guides and access to arts and culture.
In terms of ideas for the future, the young people wished to see:
Healthcare offered in different ways – especially online consultations. Also, support for mental health first aid and suicide prevention.
Support for vulnerable community members alongside encouraging people to use local businesses.
Protection for diverse and vulnerable groups – especially around digital inclusion.
Ensuring adequate funding for education, especially for those who are unable to access learning digitally, and a focus on course work rather than on exams.
Encouraging active travel alongside use of public transport − with consideration given to rural communities too.
Support to access alternative routes to employment and funding for training. Also, prioritisation of the workforce ahead of profit.
Harnessing the use of technology to improve lives and wellbeing − including helping older people feel more connected, working flexibly at home, and digital court systems.
Encouraging people to take part in physical activity.
Encouraging people to take part in activities that support their wellbeing.
Medium-term Economic and Employment recovery from the COVID-19 crisis and lockdown in Scotland.
This workshop explored:
The medium to long-term consequences of the lockdown on businesses and employment.
The implications of the recovery be for different groups and communities of young people.
The impact on young people’s employment over the next five years.
What the Scottish Government can learn from the crisis to protect the employment market in the future.
Twenty-two young people took part in the digital session – ranging from 16 to 25 years old. Together, they identified the main consequences of lockdown and distilled them into a ‘headline’ issue. These included:
‘Death of the High Street’ – the impact on local businesses
‘Furloughed with no Future’ – the impact on the employment prospects of young people
‘No Financial Security for Young People’
‘Slackening of Restrictions – Are People Actually Following the Guidelines’
‘Businesses Encourage New Working Future’ – opportunities for new working practices.
‘High School Leavers Effect: Unclear Exam Results’ - disruption to education
‘New Job Openings in Environment Sector as Scotland Commits to Green Innovation and Clean Energy’
’How Can Arts and Culture Thrive’ - the need to support the arts and culture sectors
The young people then considered the communities they felt would feel the biggest impacts. Those who are already facing additional barriers to employment were highlighted by several of the group – including young people experiencing homelessness, elderly people, young people who may need additional support, people with medical conditions, or people with difficult home lives. Migrant workers were also identified as vulnerable, alongside low-income households and single parents. Other vulnerable groups included those poor physical and mental health.
Each group considered young people in five years’ times, their employment, their opportunities, as well as how they think and feel. These included anxieties and concerns about finances and loved ones. In terms of day-to-day life, they felt there would be shift towards digital home working and a focus on hygiene (to avoid the spread of COVID-19). In terms of where they want to be, there’s a desire to develop transferable skills that will allow them to live independently. They also hoped for more information on how to enter the job market and how to support positive mental health. They were also keen that the Scottish Government takes notice of the disruption caused to their lives, whilst also learning lessons from other countries.
Finally, the young people considered what the Scottish Government could take forward in future. Their ideas included:
Be upfront and clear about the recovery process.
Use technology to provide opportunities to vulnerable groups − such as young carers and young people with additional support needs.
Keep involving young people in the conversations around recovery.
Provide young people with the skills they need for the future.
A focus on climate change and the environment must be at the core of economic recovery.
The recognition of all key workers is vital to the recovery process.
Supporting young people’s mental health to increase productivity.
Summary
The COVID-19 crisis has impacted every single person in Scotland. It was clear early in the crisis that young people were going to be one of the most affected groups. Overnight, they were unable to attend apprenticeships, work or university. Others began taking time off work or studies due to illness or caring for loved ones. For others, school closures got in the way of their exams.
What’s clear from this research is, that although young people have been negatively impacted by this crisis, they are full of ideas and aspirations for Scotland as we recover. Therefore, as one of the most impacted groups, it’s vital to keep young people at the centre of conversations about their futures.