Whose Night Off? An Exploration of the Issues involved in Youth Work on Friday and Saturday Nights

A growing issue for youth work practice in England is that of the challenges to youth work values and practice arising from the compulsion to provide Friday and Saturday Night Youth Work. This article draws on primary and secondary research undertaken through a seminar on Friday and Saturday night youth work to explore the debate about ‘compulsory’ weekend working. It considers the impact specific policies have had on young people, youth workers and youth work on Friday and Saturday evenings in England. The debate highlights competing ‘visions of youth work’ and suggests that workforce reform and compulsory weekend working, along with the consequent re-focusing of the emphasis of youth work, are creating challenges for youth workers adhering to practice based upon traditional youth work principles and values.