Only one entry-level vacancy for every three young people, report finds

A recent study carried out by the Work Foundation at Lancaster University reveals that there is now only one entry-level vacancy position for every three young people.

36% of employers have severely cut the number of jobs aimed towards those aged 16-24, making an incredibly difficult job market ever more complicated to navigate. 

This study has been carried out following years of difficulty for young people across the United Kingdom, with this survey confirming the declining size of the entry-level job market.

The figures outlined by the research show that the number of starter jobs available for younger people is now at a similar level to the year 2020-21, creating an average of only 71,000 vacancies a week.

Lancaster University’s research has further shown that the decline of starter jobs has become significantly faster in the last 12 months, with the decline growing from 8.1% to 12.8%.

If AI replaces entry-level jobs and prevents young people from starting on the career ladder, it will have severe costs and impacts on society in the long term

Dr Divya Jyoti

Analysis of this has discussed how the decrease in entry-level jobs will “damage confidence” and “make an already unforgiving jobs market feel impossible to navigate.”

It is key to mention the impact that AI has had on the number of entry-level jobs.

Dr Divya Jyoti, who led some recent research at Lancaster University Management School, finished her analysis by discussing how, while it can be supportive in the workplace, AI also poses risks to society.

She argues that if AI replaces entry-level jobs and prevents young people from starting on the career ladder, it will have severe costs and impacts on society in the long term.

This argument comes alongside the prominent discussion of AI threat from figures such as AI staff, King Charles, and politicians alike.

Furthermore, The Milburn Review, commissioned by the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, has continually shown the weaknesses of the job market for young people. Alan Milburn, the member of Parliament commissioned to author this report, states that “nearly one million young lives on hold is a scar on the country.”

It is becoming increasingly difficult for young people to find work, with almost three quarters (73%) of employers saying how many more barriers young people face now than they did five years ago.

This level of widespread competition and unemployment among young people seems unsustainable, and will likely cause high levels of damage in the future if it is not resolved. These aforementioned researchers call on the government to focus on job creation and more support for young people while they are in education.