More than one in three UK employers have reduced the number of entry-level positions available to young people over the past year, highlighting growing challenges for those trying to enter the workforce.
.webp "UK Employers Cut Entry-Level Jobs as AI and Automation Reshape Hiring")
The decline comes as businesses face higher employment costs, weaker hiring demand and growing use of artificial intelligence, which is changing the type of work companies need from junior employees. Recent data also shows that graduate vacancies fell sharply, reaching their lowest level since tracking began in 2016.
Young workers are particularly affected because entry-level roles often provide the first opportunity to gain workplace experience and develop practical skills. Government analysis found that 30 of 38 tracked entry-level occupations were declining, with some of the steepest falls recorded in accounting, graphic design and software engineering.
The trend has raised concerns about the growing number of young people who are not in employment, education or training and the potential long-term impact on their careers.
With employers becoming more selective and technology reshaping junior roles, young people entering the UK job market are facing an increasingly competitive environment.