Young Britons Express Deep Concerns Over Job Prospects and Economic Future
Prime Minister Keir Starmer recently visited the SSE national training centre in Perth, Scotland, meeting young individuals who have secured apprenticeships. This engagement comes at a critical time as new research paints a concerning picture of youth anxiety regarding employment and economic stability across the United Kingdom.
Widespread Anxiety About Career Prospects
According to a comprehensive study from the King's Trust, more than seven in ten teenagers and young adults in the UK express regret about beginning their careers in the current economic climate. The research, which surveyed 4,097 individuals aged 16 to 25, reveals that 73% of respondents experience acute anxiety about their future careers, specifically worrying that there will not be sufficient job opportunities for people like them.
Perhaps more alarmingly, over a quarter of young people surveyed feel they are destined to fail in life, highlighting significant psychological burdens among those preparing to enter the labour market. Jonathan Townsend, UK chief executive of the King's Trust, commented that "young people today are deeply concerned about their job prospects and futures, particularly those already facing the greatest barriers."
Technological Concerns Compound Economic Worries
The research indicates that economic uncertainty is significantly amplified by technological anxieties. The proportion of young people worried about artificial intelligence's impact on their future job security has increased by ten percentage points in just one year, now reaching 59%.
"We found young people expressing deep fears about how AI, alongside weak job availability and economic instability, is going to affect their long-term employment prospects," Townsend added. This technological apprehension reflects broader concerns about rapid workplace transformation and digital disruption.
Preparation Gaps and Local Opportunity Shortages
The study identifies substantial gaps in young people's preparedness for the workforce:
- Three in five respondents feel unprepared for employment
- 64% believe most entry-level positions are insecure
- One quarter lack the qualifications needed for their desired career
- 28% report insufficient work experience
Geographical disparities further complicate the picture, with 31% of young people citing a lack of local job opportunities as the primary barrier to achieving their career goals. This represents a 7% increase from the previous year's survey, suggesting worsening regional employment prospects.
Broader Context of Youth Employment Challenges
These survey findings align with national data showing approximately 12.5% of 16-24 year olds in the UK – equivalent to around 925,000 young people – were not in education, employment or training last year. International comparisons reveal additional concerns, with the UK ranking 27th out of 38 OECD countries in PwC's Youth Employment Index 2025.
The accounting firm cited relatively high Neet rates and weaker transitions from education to work compared to peer nations as key factors in this disappointing performance. Experts estimate that elevated youth inactivity carries significant long-term economic costs for the country.
Government Response and Future Outlook
Work and Pensions Secretary Pat McFadden responded to the research findings, stating: "Our youth guarantee and £1.5bn investment, backed by leading employers, will create genuine opportunities for young people to earn, learn and gain valuable work experience. We're backing the next generation because when they succeed, Britain succeeds."
The King's Trust concludes that their findings indicate a generation entering adulthood during sustained economic uncertainty, rapid technological transformation, and constrained job growth. These factors collectively impact young people's confidence, preparedness, and future expectations in measurable ways.
Barry Fletcher, chief executive of the Youth Futures Foundation, described the survey as "a helpful but concerning snapshot of how young people are feeling about their future opportunities." As the research was published in the charity's social impact report, 50 Years of Working for Young People, sponsored by retailer TK Maxx, it underscores the urgent need for comprehensive support systems for Britain's emerging workforce.
