UK Seaside Town Faces Work Crisis and Rising Health Issues

Hastings, a town by the sea, faces a challenge. Many residents are not working due to illness, with roughly one in ten people there not employed. About 5,500 residents claim PIP for health issues, including disability and mental health.

This represents a 44% jump since before 2020. Younger adults under 40 are struggling most, as their health declined the fastest after the pandemic, often citing mental health conditions.

The 2021 Census revealed Hastings has one of Britain’s highest rates of bad health among 16 to 34 year olds. Economic data further highlights the problem, showing the inactivity rate in Hastings is now 14.7%, a significant increase from 4.3% back in 2019.

Some business owners shared their views, with one restaurant manager noting young people seem to value leisure over work and fewer people under 25 apply. He believes many applicants are lazy, making it difficult to find willing workers.

Hotel owners observe similar patterns. Some applicants seem to just satisfy the job centre requirements and don’t really want the job. They think younger people seek social connection at work, and unemployment among friends lessens the desire to work for money.

A significant number of young people leave school in Hastings with no plans, a rate almost double the English average. Hastings has fewer opportunities for young people, making it more comparable to Blackpool than other Sussex towns.