Impacts of working while learning for young women

CDI News Desk

23 January 2026

Impacts of working while learning for young women

The ‘L-earning: Rethinking Young Women’s Working Lives’ report from University of Leeds, University of Manchester and University of London researchers concludes a three-year study of young people in the UK who combine full-time studies and paid employment. It involved data analysis and interviews with young women in education and who have left education.

Key findings of the research include;

Around two-thirds of those in education at 18 have worked while learning and young women are 50% more likely than young men to work during their studies.
Work has value and meaning to young people, but it is often low paid and in poor conditions, with many women facing harassment.
Working doesn’t negatively affect educational outcomes and the impact on longer-term employment are complex, though young women are less likely to become NEET if they have had early experiences of work.
After education, young women’s pathways to work are complex and non-linear, with structural barriers and workplace problems causing issues.