The coronavirus crisis has taken a “devastating toll” on young people’s mental wellbeing, with the unemployed more likely to feel anxious and depressed, a new study suggests.

Research by The Prince’s Trust suggests the pandemic experience of young people not in education, employment or training is more negative than that of those in work and training.

The youth charity said its survey of 2,180 people aged between 16 to 25 across the UK indicated that more young people were feeling anxious than at any other time in the 12-year history of the study.

One in four respondents said they felt “unable to cope with life” since the start of the pandemic, increasing to 40 per cent among those not in work, education or training.

Half of 16- to 25-year-olds said their mental health had worsened since the start of the pandemic.

Background: How FE is supporting mental health during lockdown

Mental health: 17,000 college students receive regular counselling

Need to know: 5 ways to support students at risk of suicide 

Jonathan Townsend, UK chief executive of the Prince’s Trust, said: “The pandemic has taken a devastating toll on young people’s mental health and wellbeing.

Coronavirus: ‘A devastating toll on young people’s mental health’

“They face a disrupted education, a shrinking jobs market and isolation from their friends and loved ones, and, as a result, too many are losing all hope for the future.

“As ever, it is unemployed young people, and those with few qualifications and little confidence, who have an even more negative experience.

“At this critical time, we need businesses, government and individuals to work with us to help as many vulnerable young people as possible.

“It is only by working together that we can stop this generation of young people giving up on their futures - and themselves.”

More than half of those surveyed said it was harder to ask for employment help, and a similar number of those out of work said they could not see an end to being jobless.

Emma Taylor, UK people director at Tesco, which helped with the research, said: “The findings of this year’s Youth Index highlight how vital it is to support young people to develop skills and build their confidence, to support their future.

“Through our existing partnerships with The Prince’s Trust and other charities, we have already supported over 40,000 young people in secondary schools to develop essential employability and life skills, such as teamwork and communication.”