UK's Young Adults Plagued by Job Anxiety and Economic Uncertainty
A new study from the King's Trust has revealed that more than seven in ten teenagers and young adults in the UK are anxious about their future careers amidst an economic climate characterized by job insecurity, technological disruption, and limited employment opportunities.
The survey of 4,097 people found that a staggering 73% were acutely worried about their career prospects, with many fearing they would not be able to find jobs in their chosen field. The anxiety is compounded by concerns over the impact of artificial intelligence on future job security, with 59% of young people now worried about its effects.
The findings are stark: three out of five respondents felt ill-prepared for employment, while 64% believed most entry-level roles were insecure. Many struggled with qualifications and work experience requirements, with a quarter unable to secure the necessary credentials for their desired career.
Local job availability also emerged as a major concern, with 31% of young people citing lack of opportunities in their area as the biggest barrier to achieving their career goals – a 7% increase on the previous year's survey. The UK is now ranked 27th out of 38 OECD countries for youth employment outcomes, highlighting significant long-term economic costs associated with high levels of youth inactivity.
The King's Trust attributes these concerns to sustained economic uncertainty and rapid technological change, which are casting a shadow over the prospects of an entire generation entering adulthood. As one respondent noted, "Concerns about employment prospects are inextricably linked to wellbeing."
In response, politicians have pledged support for initiatives aimed at creating genuine opportunities for young people. The work and pensions secretary has vowed to back the next generation, stating that when they succeed, Britain succeeds.
However, the survey highlights a pressing need for action to address the anxiety and uncertainty affecting UK young adults, as they enter an increasingly competitive job market with rapidly changing technologies and limited employment prospects.
A new study from the King's Trust has revealed that more than seven in ten teenagers and young adults in the UK are anxious about their future careers amidst an economic climate characterized by job insecurity, technological disruption, and limited employment opportunities.
The survey of 4,097 people found that a staggering 73% were acutely worried about their career prospects, with many fearing they would not be able to find jobs in their chosen field. The anxiety is compounded by concerns over the impact of artificial intelligence on future job security, with 59% of young people now worried about its effects.
The findings are stark: three out of five respondents felt ill-prepared for employment, while 64% believed most entry-level roles were insecure. Many struggled with qualifications and work experience requirements, with a quarter unable to secure the necessary credentials for their desired career.
Local job availability also emerged as a major concern, with 31% of young people citing lack of opportunities in their area as the biggest barrier to achieving their career goals – a 7% increase on the previous year's survey. The UK is now ranked 27th out of 38 OECD countries for youth employment outcomes, highlighting significant long-term economic costs associated with high levels of youth inactivity.
The King's Trust attributes these concerns to sustained economic uncertainty and rapid technological change, which are casting a shadow over the prospects of an entire generation entering adulthood. As one respondent noted, "Concerns about employment prospects are inextricably linked to wellbeing."
In response, politicians have pledged support for initiatives aimed at creating genuine opportunities for young people. The work and pensions secretary has vowed to back the next generation, stating that when they succeed, Britain succeeds.
However, the survey highlights a pressing need for action to address the anxiety and uncertainty affecting UK young adults, as they enter an increasingly competitive job market with rapidly changing technologies and limited employment prospects.
I feel so bad for these young folks, you know? They're already stressing about finding jobs and then add AI to the mix... it's like, what's next? 
I think we need to step up our game in terms of education and training programs that can actually prepare them for the future. It's not just about qualifications and work experience; it's about teaching them how to adapt and thrive in a rapidly changing world. We need to give 'em some hope, you know? 
. I mean, can you blame them? The world is changing at such a fast pace, and it's hard to keep up. The whole AI thing is giving me anxiety just thinking about it 
. It's like, "We'll support the next generation" – but what does that even mean in practice? 
Need more programs, training, resources... something to get these kids their foot in the door 
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. Maybe we need to rethink how we're teaching skills and preparing people for the workforce? 
Or maybe we just need to acknowledge that some jobs are going to change or disappear altogether, and move on from there 
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... 27th out of 38 OECD countries? That's a whole lotta young people feeling lost 
. Can't we do better than this? 
! It's not just about finding a job, but also feeling prepared for the workforce, having good work experience... it's all so overwhelming. 
The stats say it all - 27th out of 38 OECD countries for youth employment outcomes... that's a big deal! 
. Like, how can we expect our kids to feel all confident and stuff when there's so much uncertainty about their futures? I mean, I get it, tech is advancing fast and jobs are changing, but 73% of young adults feeling anxious about their careers? That's crazy! 
That would be a huge help. I'm all about structure and planning, so this whole uncertainty thing is really throwing me off 
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. 73% worried about career prospects? That's crazy! 
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. Remember when there was that study on youth unemployment in the UK? It was saying something similar - young people are worried about their future careers, but it's not like we didn't hear that before 
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. What about all those kids who are stuck in a rut because of limited job opportunities in their area? 
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they're just trying to figure out what to do w/ their lives & suddenly there's AI & automation affecting everythin'! 
27th out of 38 OECD countries? yeah, we need to do somethin' 'bout this ASAP! 
. And don't even get me started on AI – I'm convinced it's just a tool for further surveillance and manipulation... 
and they can't even get started because of qualifications and work experience 
I mean I know politicians are trying to help but it feels like they're just giving empty promises 
meanwhile our young people are stuck in this constant state of anxiety and uncertainty 
. We can't just rely on traditional qualifications anymore 
. We need to do something about it! 
this is so worrying its like they're being held back by the system and no one knows what's gonna happen to them when they leave school 
I mean, can you even believe it? 73% of young people in the UK are freaking out about their career prospects 
I know AI is changing things, but come on, we need some concrete plans to help our youth 
. Like, I'm all for innovation and growth, but not at the cost of people's mental health 
and dont even get me started on the politicians promising support... yeah right 
they're all just pawns in the game of corporate interests. anyone with a clue knows it's about the benjamins not 'backing' young people 
. First of all, 73% anxious about their career prospects? That's just crazy town 
. I mean, what if it's not really that bad? What if they're just scared to ask for help or look into alternative options? You know, like, 'Hey, I'm interested in renewable energy, can someone teach me how to install solar panels?' Boom, instant job! 
. What if we just need to rethink our priorities and start valuing skills over certifications and degrees? Start creating real opportunities for young people?