IBD, Young People and Employment - New Report Released

Are you daydreaming about what you want to be when you grow up? Maybe you're off to university soon, or just finishing and just settingoff into the big wide world of work? Is it proving tough?

Well, it's a difficult time work-wise for everyone at the moment, but young people are really bearing the brunt of hard economic times - nearly 1 MILLION unemployed in the UK at the moment.

Today sees the release of Crohn's and Colitis UK's sub-report "Inflammatory Bowel Disease in Young People - The Impact on Education and Employment" which focuses on young people aged 16-25. It looks at the concerns of those still in education, support within the workplace for those who are already employed and offers recommendations as to what needs to be done in the future. You can view it here.

The original "Crohn’s, Colitis and Employment - from Career Aspirations to Reality" report, commissioned by Crohn’s and Colitis UK, was published in May 2011.This report aimed to assess the impact of IBD on career aspirations, opportunities and choices. It was based on the results of a survey conducted among almost 2,000 people in the UK with IBD. You may have seen coverage in the news:

An article in the New Statesman this month gave the following worrying statistics for young people leaving school this year:

• Last year 1 in 4 employers didn't employ a single person under the age of 25.
• On average, young people in the UK will spend 2.5 years out of work.
• Those with low or no qualifications are 3 times more likely to be unemployed.

These numbers don't make for pleasant reading, but don't be disheartened - in the report we found that young people in employment had a more positive outlook on aspects of employment than those still in education. In other words, if you've just been diagnosed and you're still at school please don't give up! While IBD is a chronic condition, with appropriate treatment it is often possible to remain well for long periods and many people with IBD are able to work full-time.

Here is a taster of the information from the report, the statements that pre-employed young people agreed with the most:

The full report, and a handy infographic illustrating the results, can be found on the Me and IBD website. Click here

The 2011 Crohn's and Colitis UK survey ("IBD and Employment") found that 81% of employees had told their employer or HR department about their IBD, and 77% had told their coworkers. Most employees said that they felt comfortable about discussing their condition.

Tomorrow we will bring you more information about IBD and Employment and the support that is available for young people.