Almost quarter of a million young people in Portugal at risk of poverty/ social exclusion – Portugal Resident

Youth Unemployment in Portugal Running at 19%

Introduction

Just as the country is being flooded with jubilant young people from almost every country of the world, Portugal’s contemporary database (Pordata) has delivered a touch of irony: this week’s Roman Catholic fest is taking place in a country where almost a quarter of a million young people are living extremely difficult lives – either at risk of poverty or social exclusion, or essentially already there.

Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

1. No Poverty
2. Decent Work and Economic Growth
3. Reduced Inequalities
4. Sustainable Cities and Communities
5. Good Health and Well-being
6. Quality Education
7. Gender Equality

Statistics on Youth Unemployment

• The official figure for Portuguese young people at risk is 246,000 – only 25,000 of whom receive the social subsidy for inclusion, and only 5,000 of whom are receiving unemployment benefit.
• The snapshot revealed by Pordata shows that the youngest workers receive the least pay. The average salary for 18-24-year-olds in 2022, for example, was €948.80 gross. According to reports, that is 27% less (€345.30) than the national average. Young people living in the metropolitan area of Lisbon earn the most (€1,035.60 average), but this still puts them at a clear disadvantage versus other workers’ salaries in the same region (earning an average of another €527.20.
• In a European context, Portugal is the country where young people earn the 2nd lowest salaries of the bloc: roughly 36% less than young people earning in the other 27 member States.
• When it comes to university qualifications, 30% of the youth in Portugal have degrees, while another 60% have completed the 12 years of obligatory education. But even so, only 30% of the country’s youth are considered to be “active in the job market”. This is because 57% are employed on precarious, short-term contracts, and 19% are without work. Any discrepancy between the 19% without work and those receiving unemployment benefit comes because unemployment benefit is only paid for a short-term.

Living Conditions and Housing

• Pordata’s findings continue with the dismal 95% statistic, relating to the numbers of young people who remain living with their parents (because of the cost of living/lack of affordable accommodation/low salaries) until their 30s.
• In 2004, this percentage stood at (only) 84%.
• Says Correio da Manhã today, Portugal is the 4th country in the European Union with the most young people still living ‘at home.
• SIC Notícias refers to the comment by Chairman of the Board of Directors and the Executive Committee of the Francisco Manuel dos Santos Foundation (FFMS), Gonçalo Saraiva Martins, who explains that “in the last decade, there has been a very large increase in housing prices and a decrease in supply. Faced with a scenario of precarious jobs, poorly paid jobs, and a very large increase in housing prices, it is evident that the number of young people living with their parents increases and the ability of young people to leave home early decreases”.

Conclusion

It is not through want of qualifications. These, comparatively speaking, are high in Portugal, it is simply that there are not the opportunities available once young people gain these qualifications, hence the reason so many emigrate.

“The country offers training opportunities, which young people take advantage of, but it then cannot offer opportunities in the labor market”, explains Saraiva Martins.

The quandary is tied to the failure of successive governments to create housing policies directed at young people. It’s not a failure that shows any signs of being adequately corrected.

Additional Statistics

• On the plus side, the statistics reveal that ”practically half (48%)” of Portugal’s young people do not drink alcohol; 88% do not smoke; more than a third engage in physical exercise at least four times a week – and seven out of 10 consider themselves to be Catholic.

References

Source

SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?

SDG 1: No Poverty

The issue of young people at risk of poverty or social exclusion is connected to SDG 1, which aims to reduce poverty in all its dimensions.

SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth

The issues of low salaries, precarious employment, and unemployment among young people are connected to SDG 8, which focuses on promoting inclusive and sustainable economic growth and decent work for all.

SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities

The issue of young people living with their parents due to the cost of living or lack of affordable accommodation is connected to SDG 11, which aims to ensure access to adequate, safe, and affordable housing.

SDG 4: Quality Education

The issues of youth with university qualifications and youth considered to be “active in the job market” are connected to SDG 4, which focuses on ensuring inclusive and quality education for all.

2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?

SDG 1: No Poverty

Target 1.2: By 2030, reduce at least by half the proportion of men, women, and children of all ages living in poverty in all its dimensions according to national definitions.

SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth

Target 8.5: By 2030, achieve full and productive employment and decent work for all women and men, including for young people and persons with disabilities, and equal pay for work of equal value.

Target 8.6: By 2020, substantially reduce the proportion of youth not in employment, education or training.

Target 8.7: Take immediate and effective measures to eradicate forced labor, end modern slavery and human trafficking and secure the prohibition and elimination of the worst forms of child labor, including recruitment and use of child soldiers, and by 2025 end child labor in all its forms.

SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities

Target 11.1: By 2030, ensure access for all to adequate, safe and affordable housing and basic services and upgrade slums.

SDG 4: Quality Education

Target 4.3: By 2030, ensure equal access for all women and men to affordable and quality technical, vocational and tertiary education, including university.

Target 4.4: By 2030, substantially increase the number of youth and adults who have relevant skills, including technical and vocational skills, for employment, decent jobs, and entrepreneurship.

3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?

Yes, there are indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets:

• Proportion of young people at risk of poverty or social exclusion (SDG 1)
• Average salary for 18-24-year-olds compared to the national average salary (SDG 8)
• Percentage of youth employed on precarious, short-term contracts (SDG 8)
• Number of young people receiving unemployment benefit (SDG 8)
• Percentage of young people living with their parents due to the cost of living or lack of affordable accommodation (SDG 11)
• Percentage of youth with university qualifications (SDG 4)
• Percentage of youth considered to be “active in the job market” (SDG 4)

Behold! This splendid article springs forth from the wellspring of knowledge, shaped by a wondrous proprietary AI technology that delved into a vast ocean of data, illuminating the path towards the Sustainable Development Goals. Remember that all rights are reserved by SDG Investors LLC, empowering us to champion progress together.

Source: portugalresident.com

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