Youngsters' long-term fears over pandemic

Children as young as 10 believe the pandemic will change the rest of their life, a new study suggests.

Almost two-thirds of young people said their generation will be permanently disadvantaged by the impact of the coronavirus crisis, research by the Co-op found.

Two out of three said competition to get a job has already increased so it feels "impossible" to find work, while almost a third said the pandemic has made them less likely to continue with education.

The Co-op called on the Government to consider appointing a Youth Minister to ensure young people are considered in decision-making.

The survey of more than 5,00010 to 25-year olds found that half of school-aged children believe they have fallen behind, with almost two-thirds feeling the pressure to "catch up" quickly.

Co-op Group chief executive Steve Murrells said: "Young people are the future of this country, and we simply cannot have a situation where the majority of them feel like they cannot change their path or improve their life chances.

"This research shows the ambition is there and we see first-hand that talent is spread in every community, but opportunity is not.

"To make up the lost ground and truly build back better, we need urgent bold, joined-up action across Government, business and education to make sure young people are actively considered in decision-making.

"We believe changes, such as the development of a Government youth strategy and introduction of a Youthbetter enable the voices and needs of young people to be better heard and met."