So, the headlines are shouting loud: “The UK economy is turning a corner.” GDP’s up by 0.7%, business investment is rising, and the Chancellor’s got a hopeful tone. But here’s the real question for us — the young people trying to build futures in this economy: Does any of this actually mean our lives are about to get better?
Let’s keep it 100. These are nice stats for economists and politicians to tweet about, but for the rest of us — especially 16–25s — there’s still a massive disconnect between what’s happening on paper and what’s happening in real life.
Because even as politicians are patting themselves on the back, thousands of graduates and school leavers are still getting rejected for supermarket jobs, internships, and entry-level gigs that barely pay minimum wage.
So, What’s Actually Happening With the Economy?
Here’s the breakdown:
- The UK’s economy grew by 0.7% in the first quarter of 2025.
- Growth came from consumer spending, business investment, and exports (before US tariffs hit).
- The services sector (retail, finance, hospitality) carried the most weight.
- But experts are already saying this bounce-back might be short-lived, especially with tax increases and global slowdowns looming.
Basically, it’s like we’ve won the first round of a fight, but we’re still getting punched.
And now there’s division in Parliament. Chancellor Rachel Reeves is calling it a win. Shadow chancellor Mel Stride is calling it premature. Businesses are side-eyeing tax hikes like the rise in employer National Insurance, and some are even holding off on expansion because they’re not sure what’s coming next.
So who do we believe? More importantly, what does this mean for us — the youth trying to find our way in a system that feels rigged?
The Reality Behind the Numbers
This “growth” doesn’t mean your job application is going to get a reply tomorrow. It doesn’t mean your rent is going down or your student loan is getting any easier to pay. For a lot of young people, especially those from working-class or multicultural backgrounds, this economy still feels like it’s not built for us.
We’re told to hustle, get qualified, stay resilient — but even those with degrees, skills, and experience are being turned down for warehouse jobs. How’s that for irony?
Let’s be clear: A growing economy is supposed to bring opportunity. But if that growth isn’t inclusive, it’s just another headline that doesn’t trickle down.
Why Young People Still Feel Shut Out
- Jobs Still Aren’t Coming Fast Enough
There are fewer job vacancies now than at any point in the last four years. So yeah, the economy grew — but companies are still cautious about hiring, especially with higher taxes and shaky confidence. - Cost of Living Crisis Isn’t Over
Prices may not be rising as fast as they were, but rent, transport, food — it’s all still mad expensive. And if mortgage rates go back up (which experts are now warning), that trickles down too. Because when homeowners pay more, landlords charge more. And that’s more pressure on young renters, students, and early-career workers. - Tariffs & Global Tension
US import tariffs are about to hit. That means UK businesses exporting products — fashion, music gear, tech, food — are about to feel the squeeze. And when companies lose money, the first thing they do is cut staff or freeze hiring. - Mental Health Toll
Rejection after rejection does something to you. It builds anxiety. It dents confidence. And it makes a lot of us feel like we’re not enough — even when we’ve done everything we were told to do.
Where Do We Go From Here?
The economy turning a corner is a start — but young people need more than hope and hashtags. We need action that speaks to our reality.
- More accessible entry points into industries. Why do you need 2 years’ experience for an entry-level role?
- Targeted support for jobseekers under 25 — especially for marginalised communities and those outside London.
- Stronger mental health support for those navigating unemployment. This isn’t just economic — it’s emotional.
- Real conversations about alternative routes: creative industries, freelance careers, digital entrepreneurship.
We’re Still Showing Up
Let’s not forget who’s been driving innovation during hard times. Young creators, coders, small biz owners, artists, and activists have been flipping struggle into opportunity. From TikTok side hustles to launching brands off a bedroom desk, young Brits are making it happen with or without government support.
But we shouldn’t have to hustle for survival just to be seen. We deserve structure, stability, and systems that work in our favour too.
Final Word: Don’t Let the Hype Fool You
Yes, growth is good. And yes, it’s better than another recession. But this isn’t the time to act like everything’s fixed. Until every young person feels that growth in their actual lives — in their pay, in their options, in their futures — the celebration can wait.
We’re not asking for miracles. We’re asking for fair chances, honest feedback, and a system that values the next generation.
Until then? We’ll keep showing up, speaking up, and building the future ourselves — with or without permission.
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