The 2025 Workforce Survey report paints a stark picture of rising demand for targeted support for young people – particularly in cases of those at risk of engaging in or being affected by serious violence – against the backdrop of a challenging recruitment landscape for youth work employers.
The report analyses responses from over 1,300 youth workers highlighting 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.