Left Behind: What the Rise in UK Unemployment Really Means for Young People

It’s official. The latest stats from the Office for National Statistics (ONS) have dropped, and they’re hitting young people where it hurts the most — their future.

The UK unemployment rate has crept up again, job vacancies have fallen to their lowest level in nearly four years, and opportunities are becoming even more scarce for the 16–24-year-old age group. It’s a crisis we can no longer ignore. While headlines highlight national figures and macro trends, it’s the stories behind those numbers that reveal the real damage. Young people aren’t just struggling — many are on the edge, grinding daily, applying endlessly, and still getting ghosted by companies who, let’s be honest, often don’t even bother replying.

Degrees, Dreams — and Dead Ends

Let’s talk about Faisa. She’s got a degree in accounting and finance, plus a master’s in management. She’s applied for 2,000 jobs since finishing uni. That’s not a typo — 2,000. She’s even tried for a role at Aldi’s warehouse, only to be told there’s no “suitable vacancy” right now. Like thousands of others, she’s not chasing luxury, she’s chasing a living — anything, really. And that’s the reality for many young people: highly educated, hungry to work, but locked out of a system that keeps saying “not right now.”

The problem? It’s not about laziness or lack of ambition. It’s a broken system with rising employment costs, fewer flexible jobs, and outdated expectations. Even getting a part-time supermarket gig feels like winning the lottery.

No Work, No Direction

According to the ONS, 13.4% of young people aged 16–24 are not in work, education, or training — the highest rate in 11 years. That’s nearly one in seven. It’s bigger than unemployment. It’s a sense of being stuck in limbo. And the longer young people are left in that space, the more it affects their mental health, their self-worth, and their long-term chances.

When you’ve been applying for months — or even years — without a yes, you start to question yourself. You start to wonder if your hard work at school, your uni loans, your late nights and side hustles were even worth it. That doubt is dangerous. Not just for individuals, but for an entire generation.

Real Talk: Who’s Hiring?

So, why are things getting worse?

• Employer costs are rising. National Insurance contributions went up. So did the minimum wage.
• Retail is cutting back. Part-time jobs — especially in shops and hospitality — are drying up.
• New workers’ rights laws are scaring off employers. They’re reluctant to take on flexible staff.

The government says they’re focused on fixing it. A new “Youth Guarantee” promises access to training, apprenticeships, or job support for 18–21-year-olds in England. That sounds great on paper, but where’s the execution? Because for too many, the system still feels slow, outdated, and out of touch.

Why This Isn’t Just an Economic Problem

This isn’t just about paychecks. It’s about purpose. Young people need more than just income. They need space to grow, build careers, explore their talents, and find belonging. When they’re locked out of jobs — or stuck in low-paid, short-term gigs — they’re also being denied that growth.

It’s also about representation. Youth voices — especially from multicultural communities — are often overlooked in conversations around employment and economic policy. But they’re the ones most impacted by these decisions. If your voice isn’t in the room, your reality isn’t on the agenda.

What Needs to Happen Next

Let’s keep it real: young people are not giving up. You can scroll through any TikTok comment section on this topic and you’ll see the frustration — but also the resilience. People are still trying. Still learning. Still showing up.

But they can’t fix this alone. So here’s what needs to happen:

1. Better employer accountability – If companies can’t hire, fine. But ghosting applicants? That needs to stop. Feedback matters.
2. Real investment in youth hubs – Places where young people can get career advice, mental health support, digital training, and a space to build confidence.
3. Inclusive hiring – Employers need to recognise non-traditional experience, side hustles, and creative talent. CVs don’t show the full picture.
4. Amplify youth voices – Government, media, and employers need to bring young people to the table. Don’t just talk about them — talk to them.

Finding Hope in the Hustle

Let’s not forget Amy, who after seven months of silence, finally landed a support worker job. She didn’t give up. She stayed hopeful — even when the system didn’t give her a reason to be. And that’s what this generation is made of: drive, talent, and unshakable resilience.

This moment is tough — there’s no denying that. But it’s also a wake-up call. Young people are the heartbeat of this country’s future. They deserve jobs that respect their effort, support their dreams, and reflect their full potential.

Because if we keep sleeping on them, we’re not just losing workers — we’re losing leaders, innovators, creators, and changemakers.

Let’s not let that happen.

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https://www.theguardian.com/business/2025/may/13/uk-unemployment-rises-ons-job-vacancies

https://insidesuccessmagazine.com/category/fashion