More than 70% of young adults and teenagers in the UK are apprehensive about entering the job market, according to recent research conducted by the King’s Trust. The findings reveal that a significant portion of individuals aged 16 to 25 feel a sense of impending failure as they navigate the current economic landscape, which is marked by instability and uncertainty.
The YouGov survey, which included responses from 4,097 participants, found that 73% of young people are anxious about their career prospects. Many express concerns over inadequate job openings for individuals like themselves, indicating a growing fear of a challenging future. The report, published on March 5, 2024, in the charity’s social impact document, 50 Years of Working for Young People, outlines these alarming trends.
Growing Concerns About Job Security
According to Jonathan Townsend, the UK chief executive of the King’s Trust, the results highlight a profound anxiety among young individuals regarding their job opportunities. He stated, “This new research shows young people today are deeply concerned about their job prospects and futures, particularly those already facing the greatest barriers.”
The report also indicates that over a quarter of respondents feel they are destined to fail in their careers. Compounding this fear, the survey revealed that 59% of young people are worried about the impact of artificial intelligence on their job security, a figure that has increased by 10 percentage points in just one year. Townsend added that there is a palpable fear regarding how technological advancements, coupled with weak job availability and economic instability, will affect long-term employment prospects.
In addition, the study illustrates that many young people are feeling unprepared for the workforce. Approximately 60% of respondents indicated they feel ill-equipped for employment, while 64% believe that most entry-level positions are inherently insecure. Nearly a quarter of those surveyed do not possess the qualifications necessary for their desired careers, and 28% reported lacking sufficient work experience.
Local Job Availability and Economic Implications
The research also highlighted a sharp decline in job availability at the local level. Some 31% of young adults cited a scarcity of job opportunities in their area as the primary barrier to achieving their career aspirations, a rise of 7% compared to last year’s survey results. This reflects broader national data indicating that around 12.5% of individuals aged 16 to 24 in the UK—approximately 925,000 young people—were categorized as not in education, employment, or training (Neet) last year.
A separate analysis by PwC placed the UK 27th out of 38 OECD countries in its Youth Employment Index 2025. The report attributed the UK’s relatively high Neet rates and poor transitions from education to work as contributing factors, suggesting that the elevated youth inactivity could lead to significant long-term economic repercussions.
The findings from the King’s Trust paint a concerning picture of a generation facing entry into adulthood amidst persistent economic volatility, rapid technological changes, and constrained job growth. Townsend emphasized that these factors are affecting young people’s confidence, preparedness, and expectations for the future, stating, “Concerns about employment prospects are inextricably linked to wellbeing.”
In response to the survey, Pat McFadden, the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, affirmed the government’s commitment to addressing these issues. He stated, “Our youth guarantee and £1.5 billion 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 insights from this research underscore the urgent need for comprehensive strategies to support young people as they embark on their professional journeys.
