A poll by Nationwide and the John Smith Centre found that two thirds of young people now believe they will be worse off than their parents. The survey indicates that young adults aged 18 to 29 say the events of 2026 have left them feeling particularly pessimistic. Politics, housing, job prospects and financial stability are top grievances.
Specific financial worries are widespread. Just under half of 18 to 29 year olds worry about their finances, while a third are concerned about job insecurity. Housing affordability is a concern for 54 per cent, and just over one in four worry about AI's impact on job prospects. More than half worry about income levels, and fewer than three in ten describe their finances as comfortable.
The broader economic context may be fuelling these concerns, with stagnant UK growth and the war in Iran raising fuel cost prospects. Despite worries, young people are proactive: around one in five have applied for a new job or taken on extra hours, and 11 per cent are exploring side hustles. Two thirds still feel optimistic about their future.