The authors review the evidence of an association between unemployment & psychological & physical ill health in young people aged 15-24 years. Aggregate data show youth unemployment & youth suicide to be strongly associated. Youth unemployment is also associated with psychological symptoms, such as depression & loss of confidence. Effects on physical health have been less extensively studied; however, there is some evidence for an association with raised blood pressure. Finally, the prevalence of lifestyle risk factors is higher in unemployed compared with employed young people. (38 refs.)