UK Youth Face Mounting Career Anxiety in Uncertain Economic Climate
Prime Minister Keir Starmer recently visited the SSE national training centre in Perth, Scotland, meeting young apprentices. This engagement comes as new research paints a concerning picture of career anxiety among Britain's youth.
Widespread Economic Concerns Among Young Adults
According to a comprehensive King's Trust study, more than seven in ten teenagers and young adults in the UK express reluctance about beginning their careers in the current economic environment. The research, involving 4,097 respondents aged 16 to 25, reveals that 73% experience acute anxiety about their future professional prospects.
Jonathan Townsend, UK chief executive of the King's Trust, commented: "This new research shows young people today are deeply concerned about their job prospects and futures, particularly those already facing the greatest barriers."
Growing AI Anxiety and Employment Insecurity
The study highlights how technological advancements compound economic uncertainty. The proportion of young people worried about artificial intelligence's impact on their job security has increased by 10 percentage points within a year, 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.
The research, sponsored by retailer TK Maxx and published in the charity's social impact report 50 Years of Working for Young People, reveals that 64% of respondents believe most entry-level positions are insecure, while three in five feel unprepared for employment.
Barriers to Career Progression
Significant numbers of young people report facing substantial obstacles in their career development. One quarter state they lack the necessary qualifications for their desired career path, while 28% cite insufficient work experience as a barrier.
Local job availability has emerged as a growing concern, with 31% of respondents identifying limited opportunities in their area as the primary obstacle to achieving career goals. This represents a 7% increase compared to last year's equivalent survey.
National and International Context
These concerns reflect broader national trends, with approximately 925,000 young people aged 16 to 24 (12.5% of this demographic) classified as not in education, employment, or training last year.
International comparisons further highlight challenges in the UK's youth employment landscape. Accounting firm PwC ranked the UK 27th out of 38 OECD countries in its Youth Employment Index 2025, citing relatively high Neet rates and weaker transitions from education to employment compared to peer nations.
Government Response and Future Outlook
Work and Pensions Secretary Pat McFadden responded to the 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."
The King's Trust concludes that these findings indicate a generation entering adulthood during sustained economic uncertainty, rapid technological transformation, and constrained job growth, with measurable impacts on confidence, preparedness, and future expectations.
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."
