A new report from the National Youth Agency (NYA) highlights a critical shortage of trained youth workers, leading to missed opportunities for early intervention and prevention. Without sufficient youth work support, issues such as serious violence, poor mental health, and exploitation escalate, requiring more costly interventions later.
The 2025 Workforce Survey Report, and a review of job vacancies, underscores the urgent need for investment in sustainable, well-paid roles to attract and retain qualified professionals in the sector.
Key Findings:
- Low Pay and Unstable Jobs: A quarter (25%) of youth work jobs pay below the national living wage, with nearly a third (29%) being temporary or zero-hour contracts. The average salary of £21,084 falls far below the UK national average of £36,920.
- Decline in Qualified Practitioners: Since 2021, 4,500 practitioners have left the sector linked to funding cuts of £1.2bn. This has led to challenges for employers looking to recruit into new job roles with half (49%) of youth work job listings not requiring a formal qualification.
- Rising Demand for Support: Youth workers are increasingly dealing with issues such as serious youth violence, violence against women and girls, safeguarding, and mental health crises.
Workforce in Crisis
NYA’s research shows that youth work is now predominantly delivered through the voluntary sector (69%), yet there is a significant shortage of professionally trained practitioners. A lack of stable career pathways deters new entrants, further deepening the workforce crisis.
”"Without a strong, qualified workforce of youth workers, we're failing the next generation. The lack of trained professionals is a ticking time bomb for our young people and communities. It puts them at greater risk of falling into cycles of violence, mental health struggles, and without the support they deserve. The consequences are clear—this is not just an issue, it’s a crisis we cannot afford to ignore."
Abbee McLatchieDirector of Youth Work and Deputy CEO, NYA
”“The government’s National Youth Strategy presents a crucial opportunity to recognise the impact of qualified youth workers on young people’s outcomes, ensuring they are embedded in key Government programmes and interventions, and that sufficient funding is secured to address the current workforce crisis.”
Harriet McCannDirector of Policy, Insights and External Affairs, NYA
The resource builds on the NYA’s independent review of the impact of youth work delivered with schools which resulted in their Better together: Youth work with schools report published in June 2023, which evidenced the positive impact of youth work in and with schools on young people’s wellbeing, as well as promoting their safety and supporting community cohesion.
NYA is calling for:
- Increased government and sector investment to create stable, well-paid youth work roles.
- Recognition of youth workers as essential professionals within education, health, and violence prevention strategies.
- Expansion of training and apprenticeships to build a pipeline of qualified youth workers.
The report findings were launched at the Annual Youth Work Conference co-delivered by the NYA with the Youth Endowment Fund, to an audience of decision makers – including Keynote speaker, Stephanie Peacock, Minister for Sport, Media, Civil Society – concerned with the increase demand for and awareness of evidence-based approaches on youth work integrated within violence reduction strategies.
Workforce Survey 2025
Download the full report.
