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Job Vacancies Plummet to Five-Year Low: What It Means for Job Seekers

The number of job vacancies in the UK has dropped to its lowest level in five years, sparking concerns among job seekers and employers alike. The Of

The number of job vacancies in the UK has dropped to its lowest level in five years, sparking concerns among job seekers and employers alike. The Office for National Statistics (ONS) reported that there were just 707,000 job vacancies between March and May, the lowest since the period of February to April 2021. This sharp decline comes as businesses appear to be cutting back on recruitment, showing a cautious approach to hiring new staff.

Liz McKeown, the director of economic statistics at the ONS, mentioned that this further decrease in job openings indicates that companies are tightening their belts. The professional services sector has experienced the most significant fall in vacancies, while retail and hospitality sectors also witnessed notable drops. It’s a tough time for those looking for work, especially with new recruitment numbers reaching a five-year low. In fact, data from HMRC revealed that in April, new hires, or ‘inflows’, totaled just under 540,000, marking the lowest monthly figure since March 2021. Yani, durum gerçekten iç açıcı değil…

With the job market looking bleak, there are signs that some workers are shifting towards self-employment as a response to these falling vacancies. In the three months leading to April, the unemployment rate slightly dropped to 4.9%, down from 5% in March. But hey, regular pay, without bonuses, still grew at an annual rate of 3.4% during that period, which is a slight silver lining. Although it hasn’t changed from the previous three months, it shows that average earnings are still creeping up, albeit slowly, compared to rising prices.

Yet, it’s not all good news. McKeown pointed out that wage growth in the private sector is at its lowest rate in over five years. Jamie Younger, who just opened The Victory pub in south London last month, expressed how the rising minimum wage and national insurance contributions have made things “very difficult.” He’s not alone; many in the pub and restaurant industry are now opting to hire only those with several years of experience, leaving younger folks struggling to find their first job. Hani, bu durum genç nesil için büyük bir fırsat kaybı…

Younger further argued that cutting VAT, a measure that hospitality groups are advocating for, could help ease the pressure on businesses and allow them to train young people. “There’s a real benefit in hiring someone for their first job because you get to train them and shape their skills,” he said. But with the financial constraints they face, it’s becoming increasingly challenging. Meanwhile, Sasha Swann, a student working in the pub’s kitchen over the summer, shared her experience of being thrown “at the deep end” but said it has been a great learning opportunity. Still, she feels “extremely fearful” about what awaits her after university, saying, “It’s all up in the air whether we’re going to get those jobs.”

Shazia Ejaz, the director of campaigns at the Recruitment and Employment Confederation (REC), mentioned that global pressures and domestic political uncertainty are making employers hesitant to commit to hiring. However, the latest REC data suggests that temporary hiring is faring better than permanent positions. The upcoming resolution of the Gulf crisis could provide the government with an opportunity to stimulate hiring, which is certainly something to keep an eye on.

These job figures are particularly relevant as the Bank of England prepares to announce its decision on interest rates. Analysts broadly anticipate that the Bank will maintain its key rate at 3.75%. Ben Caswell, a senior economist at the National Institute of Economic and Social Research, noted that this data indicates a gradual easing in the labor market. Coupled with softer inflation figures and a tentative agreement regarding the Strait of Hormuz, this might give the Bank of England the green light to hold steady this afternoon.

Yael Selfin, chief economist at KPMG UK, emphasized that the labor market isn’t a significant driver of inflationary pressures, especially with private sector wage growth on the decline. Workers are increasingly hesitant to push for higher pay, which reduces the chances of any knock-on effects from the labor market impacting broader cost pressures. However, it’s worth noting that the quality of ONS statistics has faced criticism over the years. A review last year found “deep-seated” issues, particularly related to low response rates in the Labour Force Survey.

Meanwhile, the ongoing war in Iran is expected to push UK inflation further above the Bank of England’s target of 2%. The conflict in the Middle East has already increased the cost of petrol, household energy bills, and even food. In fact, official data shows that the UK economy shrank slightly in April as the war began to affect businesses. It’s a tough landscape for many, and it’s clear that the rate of UK economic growth will have lasting implications for pay increases and tax revenues.

Bakalım, bu durumdan sonra ne olacak? Gelişmeleri takip ediyoruz…

Kaynak: Orijinal Haber

Lost Generation”: How Young People Are Battling Job Scarcity

More than one million young people under 24 are currently caught in a jobless limbo, and the experts are calling them a “lost generation.” The job ma

More than one million young people under 24 are currently caught in a jobless limbo, and the experts are calling them a “lost generation.” The job market is tough, and the stories of five young individuals navigating this challenging landscape shed light on their struggles and resilience.

Take Zaynah, for instance. At just 24, she’s applied for over 200 jobs since leaving college a year ago, but guess what? Not a single employer has reached out to her. Yup, you heard it right. She’s now part of a six-week charity scheme called Spear, which is helping her regain her confidence. Zaynah had a health condition, eczema, that kept her from pursuing her passion for nail art. She’s always dreamed of working in makeup and has been applying to retail positions in that field. “I never worked before… I wasn’t very confident at all,” she shares. But now, she feels a significant shift. “I can hold conversations better now,” she adds, reflecting on how her experiences have shaped her. Yet, she acknowledges the barrier of experience. “Some people our age don’t know what they want to do, that’s what is holding them back,” she says.

Then we have Luke, 23, who studied product design at Central St Martin’s University. He’s sent out more than 400 applications but hasn’t landed a job yet. “The application process is quite vile,” Luke expresses, detailing how redundantly he has to enter the same information multiple times. It’s disheartening when you enter the job market, thinking your degree will open doors, only to find out that jobs are scarce. “The amount of rejections definitely make you depressed,” Luke confesses, sharing how he started claiming Universal Credit last March. “Entering into the job centres is really depressing,” he admits, feeling a deep sense of rejection. It’s a harsh reality; he’s overqualified for basic jobs like stacking shelves but underqualified for the ones he wants. “I’ve been rejected for cleaning roles, barista jobs, and even waitstaff positions,” he laments.

Tarun, an 18-year-old, faced a setback when he had to travel to India after his grandmother passed away, interrupting his studies. “I started doing plumbing level two… but I had to go to India so they kicked me out,” he recounts. Since returning, he’s been stuck in a loop, applying for various roles but continually facing the experience barrier. “I felt trapped… I just felt lost,” he admits. Motivating himself, he turned to rapping to cope. “I wrote songs, I started rapping to entertain myself. That really helped me,” he says, reflecting on how creativity provided him with solace during tough times.

Eloise, 24, has a first-class degree in English and a master’s in creative writing, yet she finds herself in hospitality, a far cry from her aspirations. Despite her extensive volunteering and work experience, she’s had only four interviews. “Two jobs ghosted me, and only one offered feedback, saying I needed more experience,” she explains. Applying in Stirling and Edinburgh, she’s even used her brother’s address to broaden her chances but to no avail. With the year drawing to a close, Eloise fears being forced to move back to her village and live a minimum-wage life, feeling trapped. “The only person from my masters who has a relevant job went back home to America for it,” she sadly shares.

Lastly, there’s Clover, 20, who spent three years following all the right advice in search of work. “I got lucky,” he says, recalling how a friend vouched for him at a retail job. Even though he’s on a zero-hours contract, he feels grateful. “It’s something and it’s better than what most people have,” he acknowledges. However, he wants more. “I hear older people say younger people don’t want to work, but it’s because they are getting paid nothing for jobs they don’t want to be in,” he reflects. Despite the support from colleges and universities, it often feels like it’s never enough.

A recent report indicates that the education, health, and welfare systems are no longer fit for purpose when it comes to preparing young people for the adult world. It suggests that the education system is failing to produce young people ready for work, as each graduate role now attracts around 140 applications.

These stories highlight a grim reality where young individuals are left feeling disillusioned in a job market that seems to have turned its back on them. Will things change soon? Or will the “lost generation” continue to struggle in silence?

Kaynak: Orijinal Haber

Young People in Job Crisis: Over 400 Applications and No Response!

The reality for many young job seekers is grim, and it’s not just a few unlucky souls. Experts are highlighting a “lost generation,” with over a mill

The reality for many young job seekers is grim, and it’s not just a few unlucky souls. Experts are highlighting a “lost generation,” with over a million individuals under 24 caught in a frustrating limbo, lacking both jobs and training opportunities that could lead them there. Take Zaynah, a 24-year-old who, since leaving college a year ago, has thrown her hat into the ring for more than 200 jobs, yet not a single employer has reached out to her. She’s currently participating in a six-week charity scheme named Spear, which is helping her rebuild her confidence. “I had eczema, which really held me back from pursuing my passion for nail art. I’ve always wanted to work in makeup,” she shares. She’s now applying for makeup roles in retail, but her journey hasn’t been easy. “I’ve never worked before and I was quite shy. Now, I can hold conversations better, but I feel like my lack of experience is really holding me back. Some people my age, they just don’t know what they want to do, and that’s what’s keeping them stuck,” she adds.

Then there’s Luke, a 23-year-old who graduated from Central St Martin’s University with a degree in product design. He’s been on a relentless hunt, applying for over 400 positions. “The application process is pretty vile,” he explains. “You fill out your details online, and then they want the same information again in a different format. You end up redoing everything from scratch.” Luke emphasizes that anyone graduating would naturally think they are ready for entry-level jobs, only to find out that many companies are either financially strapped or have replaced roles with AI. The constant rejections have taken a toll on his mental health. “I started claiming Universal Credit last March. Walking into job centers is a real downer. It feels like all my efforts mean nothing. You want to enter your field but don’t have enough experience for the job,” he says, adding that he’s often deemed overskilled for basic roles like stacking shelves, a task he’s done before. “I even got rejected for cleaning jobs and typical café roles. I had one interview for a janitorial position – they said they’d get back to me, but I never heard anything.”

Tarun, at just 18, experienced a family tragedy when his grandmother passed away, prompting a trip to India that interrupted his studies. “I was doing plumbing level two, but I had to leave. When I came back, I was lost,” he admits. “I’ve been looking for work and education for a year, but I kept hitting dead ends. They all asked for experience I didn’t have. I felt trapped in a loop.” Yet, he found a way to cope by channeling his energy into writing and rapping. “It helped me entertain myself during that tough time,” he reflects.

Eloise, 24, is another frustrated job seeker, despite holding a first-class degree in English and creative writing, along with a master’s. “I’ve done tons of volunteering and work experience, but still, I’ve only had four interviews,” she laments. “I took a temp job at a pub, but it’s not what I want to do. Two jobs ghosted me, and only one gave feedback saying I needed more experience.” She’s been applying in both Stirling and Edinburgh, even using her brother’s address to increase her chances, but nothing has panned out. “I’m really worried. If I don’t find work by the end of this year, I might have to move back to my village and live a minimum-wage life. The only person from my master’s program who has a relevant job moved back to America for it,” she shares.

Clover, only 20, spent three years following advice on job hunting, and now has a retail job with no guaranteed hours. “I got lucky because a friend vouched for me,” he explains. “It’s a zero-hours contract, and while it’s something, it’s not where I want to be. I hear older folks say we don’t want to work, but it’s just that we’re being offered peanuts for jobs we don’t want.” He notes how often he applied to postings, only to hear back 1 out of 10 times. Colleges and universities offer support for crafting CVs and applying effectively, but the reality is that even with all that help and extensive volunteering, it just never seems to be enough.

John Boumphrey argues that the education system isn’t adequately preparing young people for the workforce. Recruiters are noting that each graduate role now receives around 140 applications, making the competition fierce. Meanwhile, a water firm is working with the government to allocate 25 roles each year to those who have been in care, marking an important initiative. As Stella Black echoes the sentiment of many, she’s applied for hundreds of jobs only to receive a handful of responses.

So, what’s next for this generation of hopefuls? The struggles continue as they navigate an increasingly competitive job market, balancing dreams with harsh realities.

Kaynak: Orijinal Haber

Urgent Action Needed to Prevent a Lost Generation of Young Workers

A major review has issued a stark warning: one in six young people will find themselves out of work, education, or training in just five years unless

A major review has issued a stark warning: one in six young people will find themselves out of work, education, or training in just five years unless urgent measures are put in place. Alan Milburn, the former minister who authored the review, stated that the current education, health, and welfare systems are “no longer fit for purpose” when it comes to preparing young individuals for adult life. He emphasized the risk of a “lost generation,” predicting that by 2031, around 1.25 million 16 to 24-year-olds could be jobless or unengaged in any form of training.

Now, let’s talk numbers. The unemployment rate for young people aged 16 to 24 stands at a staggering 16.2%, the highest it’s been since 2014. Just think about that for a sec: this rate is more than three times the general unemployment figure of 5%. Milburn was brought in to figure out why so many young people are labeled as NEETs—those Not in Education, Employment, or Training. According to the latest stats from the UK, there were 957,000 young NEETs from October to December 2025. That’s roughly one in eight people in that age group! But get this: more than half of these young folks aren’t even looking for work.

Milburn’s warning is clear—if no action is taken, that number could swell to 1.25 million, or one in six young people, over the next five years. Work and Pensions Secretary Pat McFadden, who commissioned this report, expressed his commitment to saving a generation from unemployment. He highlighted the government’s plans to incentivize businesses to hire young people and the creation of more apprenticeships. Yet, he admitted, “But we know there is more to do.”

The findings from Milburn’s review have stirred quite the conversation. He noted that for every £1 spent on employment support for young people, a whopping £25 goes to benefits. And contrary to popular belief, it isn’t that young people don’t want to work; in fact, 84% of surveyed NEETs say they desire a job or training. Milburn argues that the youth unemployment crisis isn’t on the young people themselves, but rather a system stuck in outdated practices. “This is not a failure of young people. It is a failure of a system stuck in the past,” he plans to say in his upcoming speech.

Stories from young individuals like Zaynah and Luke highlight the struggles faced by many. Zaynah, just 24, has been out of work since leaving college due to health issues, applying for over 200 jobs with no responses. She mentioned, “Getting a job is very hard because with my issues, I haven’t got that much experience.” On the other hand, Luke, a product design graduate from Central St Martin’s, has sent out more than 400 applications but landed only one interview for a cleaning position which he didn’t get. “You think, ‘I’ve got all the knowledge and skills, all I’m waiting for is a job to put it into practice.’ It makes you depressed,” he shared.

Meanwhile, Rocky, who was out of work for a year, eventually found a role at Nando’s as a waiter. Fast forward three years, and he’s now an assistant manager. “I’m 23 years old, and I’m a manager at Nando’s. I feel happy with myself,” he said, crediting his success to mentorship from his manager and support from the youth charity Spear.

The report also revealed alarming trends: in the past 20 years, low- and medium-skilled jobs in the UK have decreased by 1.6 million, while higher-skilled positions have surged by 6.3 million. The hospitality sector, which has traditionally provided entry-level roles for young people, has seen vacancies cut in half over four years. Lord Simon Wolfson, CEO of Next, noted a dramatic increase in applicants per vacancy, rising from 10 to 19 in just two years.

Rain Newton-Smith, head of the Confederation of British Industry, lamented the situation as a “tragic waste of potential” and emphasized the need for reforms to reduce job creation costs in the UK. Some employers argue that higher minimum wages and taxes make it harder to employ young workers, while the government defends its tax policies as necessary.

The Conservative Party criticized Labour for being more focused on its internal politics than addressing this “generational crisis.” Shadow Work and Pensions Secretary Helen Whately claimed that Labour’s policies have only made it harder for young individuals to step into the workforce, asserting that their piecemeal work programs are insufficient.

In the end, Alan Milburn’s review underscores the urgent need for reforms to address the staggering number of young people not engaged in work or education. As the landscape continues to shift, the question remains: how will we turn this tide and ensure a brighter future for the next generation?

Kaynak: Orijinal Haber

Urgent Action Needed: One in Six Young People Face Employment Crisis by 2031

A major review has issued a stark warning: one in six young people will find themselves outside of education, employment, or training in just five ye

A major review has issued a stark warning: one in six young people will find themselves outside of education, employment, or training in just five years unless urgent measures are taken. This alarming prediction comes from former minister Alan Milburn, who argues that our current education, health, and welfare systems are “no longer fit for purpose” in preparing young folks for the challenges of adult life. “We are at risk of a lost generation,” he emphasized, pointing out that the number of 16 to 24-year-olds who are out of work, education, or training could soar to a staggering 1.25 million by 2031.

Milburn is set to address the issue, stating that the “first rung of the career ladder has thinned,” making it unreachable for too many young people. He describes a frustrating catch-22 situation where employers demand work experience, yet the avenues for young people to gain that experience have dwindled or disappeared.

The concern over youth unemployment is palpable. The latest figures reveal an unemployment rate of 16.2% for those aged 16 to 24, marking the highest rate since 2014 and more than three times the general unemployment rate of 5%. Milburn’s investigation into why so many young people fall under the “NEET” (Not in Education, Employment, or Training) category has unveiled some shocking statistics. From October to December 2025, there were approximately 957,000 young people classified as NEET, which amounts to one in eight individuals in that age group. Alarmingly, more than half of these young people were not actively seeking employment.

If immediate action isn’t taken, this number could balloon to 1.25 million, translating to one in six young people without a clear path forward. Work and Pensions Secretary Pat McFadden has expressed his commitment to addressing this pressing issue, noting that he commissioned the report to prevent a generation from falling into unemployment. He highlighted the government’s initiatives, including financial incentives for companies to hire young talent and efforts to create more apprenticeship opportunities.

McFadden also mentioned a focus on early intervention strategies, such as improving support for special educational needs and removing the two-child cap on benefits. However, he acknowledged, “But we know there is more to do.” Milburn’s findings have been widely discussed, especially his claim that the government spends 25 times more on benefits for young people than on helping them transition into work.

Contrary to the narrative that young people are apathetic about work, Milburn’s report reveals that a significant 84% of surveyed NEETs expressed a desire for jobs or training, emphasizing that the youth unemployment crisis is not their fault but rather a failure of an outdated system. “This is not a failure of young people. It is a failure of a system stuck in the past,” he is expected to assert in his upcoming speech.

Let’s put a face to these statistics. For instance, Zaynah, a 24-year-old, has been grappling with health issues and hasn’t been able to find work since finishing college. Despite applying for more than 200 jobs in the past year, she hasn’t received a single response. “Getting a job is very hard because with my issues, I haven’t got much experience, I’ve never worked before,” she lamented. To combat this, she’s considering volunteering to bolster her CV.

Then there’s Luke, a 23-year-old who graduated from the prestigious Central St Martin’s University with a degree in product design. Despite his qualifications, he’s found job hunting to be an uphill battle. Having applied for over 400 positions, he’s had only one interview for a cleaning role, which he didn’t land. “It’s humiliating,” he shared. “You think, ‘Okay, I’ve got all the knowledge, I’ve got the skills, all I’m waiting for is a job to put it in practice.’ It makes you depressed, especially the amount of rejections.” He’s now relying on benefits to get by.

On a more positive note, we have Rocky, who was out of work for a year before joining Nando’s as a waiter. Fast forward three years, and he’s now an assistant manager. “I’m 23 years old and I’m a manager at Nando’s,” he beams. “I feel happy with myself. I can look back and tell my doubters that I made it.” Rocky attributes his success to the mentoring he received from a manager at Nando’s and the ongoing support from the youth charity Spear.

The review reveals a troubling statistic: in the 2024/25 period, for every £1 spent on employment support for young people, around £25 was allocated for benefits. Furthermore, it noted that the number of low- and medium-skilled jobs in the UK has dropped by 1.6 million over the past two decades, while higher-skilled positions have surged by 6.3 million.

The high street and hospitality sectors, typically the first stop for young people’s work experience, have seen a significant decline in job vacancies, halving in the past four years. The boss of Next, Lord Simon Wolfson, noted that just two years ago, there were about 10 applications for every shop vacancy; now that number has shot up to 19. Rain Newton-Smith, the chief executive of the Confederation of British Industry, stated that the report highlights “a tragic waste of potential” and identifies key issues that need addressing.

Some employers argue that hiring young people has become increasingly challenging due to higher minimum wages and increased taxes, including employer National Insurance contributions. The government has defended its tax hikes on businesses and the rise in the national minimum wage.

As the political landscape unfolds, Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer recently reversed proposed welfare spending reforms aimed at saving £5 billion a year by 2030, which faced backlash from his own Labour MPs. While this review doesn’t offer immediate solutions, those will be presented in a future report.

The Conservative Party claims Labour is too wrapped up in internal leadership turmoil to tackle the “generational crisis” highlighted by Milburn. Shadow Work and Pensions Secretary Helen Whately criticized Labour’s policies, arguing that decisions like the jobs tax and limiting apprenticeship funding have only made it harder for young people to step into the workforce.

“Every policy choice Labour has made… has made it harder for a young person to take their first step into work,” she stated. With calls for reforming the welfare system to address the high numbers of young people not engaged in work or education, the spotlight remains on Alan Milburn’s findings.

As we look at the education system, John Boumphrey pointed out it “isn’t necessarily producing young people who are ready for work.” A recruiter mentioned that each graduate role now attracts about 140 applications, making the competition fierce.

And while the UK faces its own challenges, globally, a staggering three in four people in Afghanistan cannot meet their basic needs today. Meanwhile, the number of job vacancies in the UK has plummeted to its lowest level in five years, as the impacts of the Iran war begin to ripple through businesses.

Kaynak: Orijinal Haber

Amazon’s UK Boss Urges Fairness for Young Job Seekers

Amazon’s UK boss, John Boumphrey, has made a powerful statement regarding the alarming number of young people out of work, declaring it’s time to s

Amazon’s UK boss, John Boumphrey, has made a powerful statement regarding the alarming number of young people out of work, declaring it’s time to stop pointing the finger at them. Speaking to the BBC, Boumphrey said, “We have to stop blaming young people,” emphasizing that the education system is failing to prepare them adequately for the job market. Currently, nearly a million young Brits are neither in education nor employment, yet Boumphrey highlights that Amazon, despite being a major employer, is struggling to find individuals with the right skills.

The stats paint a grim picture: the unemployment rate has crept up to 5% in the UK, with 16.2% of 16 to 24-year-olds now jobless—the highest figure since late 2014. It’s a tough break for young folks trying to enter the workforce. Jane Foley, managing director at Rabobank, described these figures as “a horrible number,” pointing out that many hospitality jobs, which used to be entry points for many young people, are disappearing due to minimum wage laws and the rise of technology.

Research from the Institute for Fiscal Studies indicates that the decline in youth employment is nearing the levels seen during the financial crisis of 2008 and the COVID-19 pandemic. Former Labour minister Alan Milburn has labeled this situation a “social catastrophe, an economic catastrophe, and a political catastrophe.” It’s alarming, right? Boumphrey noted that Amazon employs around 75,000 people in the UK, with half of them coming directly from education or unemployment. He stated, “I think too often you read about young people that somehow they lack motivation… That is not our experience.”

Boumphrey pointed to their work experience program for young people with learning disabilities and autism, highlighting how transformative such opportunities can be. He argued that work experience should be mandatory for anyone over 16. “It’s not a motivation problem – it’s a system problem,” he asserted, calling for a more structured approach to equip the youth with the skills employers are seeking.

Despite the grim job landscape, Boumphrey insists that Amazon faces a different dilemma—finding qualified candidates. He mentioned the need for collaboration between businesses, local governments, and educational institutions to identify and bridge the skills gap. As Amazon expands, they’ve introduced robots into their warehouses, and rather than eliminating jobs, they’ve found themselves hiring more people. “We ended up employing more people,” Boumphrey explained, highlighting the need for roles like mechatronics engineers and technicians, which are in short supply.

Niki Fuchs, CEO of Office Space in Town, echoed Boumphrey’s sentiments, stressing that providing work experience is all about mindset and that companies should be more proactive in creating opportunities for young people. On the tax front, Amazon has often faced scrutiny, with critics arguing that their tax bills haven’t kept pace with their booming sales. Boumphrey stated that last year, Amazon contributed more than £5.8 billion in taxes, including business rates and national insurance.

As the job market remains challenging, stories like that of Andy Wilkins, a 26-year-old from Southend on Sea who has been jobless for nearly a year, serve as a stark reminder of the struggles many face. Having exhausted his savings and relying on a meager Universal Credit payment, Andy has applied to numerous entry-level positions without success. “I am desperate to work, no job is too big or too small,” he insists, capturing the frustration echoed by many in his situation.

The job landscape for the youth remains precarious, and as Boumphrey looks ahead, the question lingers: how can we better equip the next generation for the workforce? With ongoing discussions about reforming the education system and creating more work experience opportunities, the future for young job seekers hangs in the balance.

Kaynak: Orijinal Haber