Employment News
Minimum wage changes, graduate job market, zero hours contracts and workers' rights. If you are entering the workforce for the first time, you may find these articles relevant to you.
14 articles
M&S launches traineeship for 1,000 young people
M&S has launched a new traineeship programme aimed at providing opportunities for 1,000 young people. This initiative seeks to address the growing challenge of youth unemployment and lack of engagement in education, employment, or training. The programme is set to make a positive impact on young individuals looking to gain work experience and skills.
Key takeaway: M&S is offering 1,000 young people a chance to gain valuable work experience and skills through its new traineeship programme.
Ghosted by employers: 1 in 3 adults jobless in east Birmingham suburbs
A third of people in some east Birmingham suburbs are unemployed, facing challenges in job applications. Many report being ghosted or told there's a better candidate. This trend highlights the difficulties in the job market for young adults.
Key takeaway: Unemployment rates are alarmingly high in some east Birmingham suburbs, affecting one in three adults.
Hundreds of job applications no guarantee of success
Four people who were applying for hundreds of jobs without success shared what they did differently to secure their first role. Their approach challenges common job application strategies. The individuals' experiences provide valuable insights for job seekers.
Key takeaway: A simple tip can significantly improve job application success rates.
UK's future growth relies on revamping skills pathways
The current skills system in the UK needs to be overhauled to drive future growth, with a focus on creating multiple pathways to obtain higher-level skills. This approach could help address skills shortages and improve employability. The report suggests that different pathways need not be in tension, but rather complement each other.
Key takeaway: The UK's future growth relies on revamping its skills pathways to address skills shortages and improve employability.
Labour's AI plan: jobs protection
Contrary to fears that AI will replace human workers, Labour's technology secretary Liz Kendall has promised to make AI 'work for the workers'. This move aims to support people whose jobs are threatened by automation, particularly young people.
Key takeaway: Labour plans to shape the adoption of AI to protect workers' jobs.
Graduate outcomes data reveals surprising trends
The data challenges common perceptions about graduate employment and earnings, with a significant number of graduates finding employment in non-graduate roles. The data also shows that many graduates are not earning as much as expected.
Key takeaway: The graduate outcomes data for 2023-24 reveals that 40% of graduates are in non-graduate roles.
Careers guidance gap hurting young people
A leading expert has warned that the UK's careers guidance system is failing young people, with a lack of investment in high-quality, impartial advice. Dr. Deirdre Hughes said that this issue needs to be addressed in Alan Milburn's final report on young people not in education, employment, or training. The report highlights a system failure, not a failure of young people.
Key takeaway: The UK's careers guidance system is underfunded and failing young people.
City & Guilds job cuts spark legal action
City & Guilds, a training and qualifications body, is facing potential legal and industrial action over its plans to cut around 400 UK staff. The Unite union alleges that the company has been 'dishonest' over the job cuts, withholding key information and breaching redundancy laws. This move could have implications for students and young adults in the job market.
Key takeaway: City & Guilds' job cuts could affect students and young adults in the job market.
New law won't guarantee students a fair deal
The Employment Rights Act 2025 promises to end one-sided flexibility in employment, but it may not help students looking for term-time work or seasonal employment. The law does not account for the structural realities of student labour. Students may still face challenges in finding stable and secure work.
Key takeaway: The new law may not provide the benefits students were hoping for, particularly when it comes to term-time working and seasonal employment.
Ex-M&S Chief Tackles Youth Unemployment
Marc Bolland, the former chief of Marks & Spencer, has been appointed to advise the government on getting young people into work. This move comes after a review warned of a potential 'lost generation' due to high youth unemployment. Bolland's expertise is expected to help shape policies to address this issue
Key takeaway: The UK government has appointed Marc Bolland to advise on tackling youth unemployment, which could lead to new initiatives and programmes to support young people's career prospects
Youth job crisis costs UK £125bn a year
The scale of the youth jobs crisis in the UK has been revealed, with unemployment among young people costing the country £125bn annually. Over 1 million young people are not working or studying, sparking concerns about a 'lost generation'. The Labour party is poised to propose fresh changes to the welfare system in response to the crisis.
Key takeaway: The UK's youth unemployment crisis is costing the country £125bn a year.
1 in 5 young people not in work or education
A government-backed report has found that over 1 million 16- to 24-year-olds in the UK are not in education, employment, or training. This is a significant increase and has sparked concerns about the future of young people. The report suggests that this could have long-term consequences for the economy and society.
Key takeaway: The number of young people not in education, employment, or training has risen to over 1 million.