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The government maintains that it is actively working to create meaningful opportunities for young people seeking employment. However, recent data from recruitment agency Indeed reveals a contrasting trend: between May 2025 and May 2026, the number of summer job advertisements fell by 31%, and compared with May 2023, the decline is even steeper at 71%.
In Lincolnshire, there is considerable debate over the factors behind these declines. Dave Charles, an employer, highlights rising operational costs, including minimum wage and National Insurance increases, as reasons fewer under-16s are being hired. “The rising costs of minimum wage and National Insurance and all the other rising costs means that a lot of people I know that would normally take on four or five under-16s are this year taking on two or three,” he explains. Meanwhile, Katrina Pierce from the Federation of Small Businesses points to the impact of new policies, safeguarding requirements, insurance costs, and notably the Employment Rights Act. This legislation introduces new entitlements such as flexible working requests from the first day, guaranteed hours, advance notice of shifts, and compensation for shifts that are canceled or shortened. Pierce notes that the Act’s effects are particularly visible in temporary or summer employment roles.
Regulations around young workers also shape the landscape. Children aged 13 can engage in limited part-time work, but employers must obtain special permits and conduct risk assessments. Part-time work is allowed from age 14, while full-time work is permissible from age 16, capped at 40 hours per week. Upon turning 18, individuals become subject to adult employment laws. Faye, a 15-year-old from Lincoln, has faced significant hurdles securing a Saturday job or unpaid placements in charity shops and cafes. She remarks, “A lot won’t take you unless you’re over the age of 16 for some and 18 for others because of the health and safety and the paperwork.” Similarly, Zach, also 15 and from Lincoln, recounts extensive efforts online and in person to find work but is often told to return at age 16.
On the other hand, some business owners express different views regarding hiring young people. Tracy Walters, co-owner of Sweet Emporium in Woodhall Spa, says she does not plan to employ youth workers due to costs and perceived unreliability. “They have boyfriend problems and other problems. Sometimes they don’t turn up on time and it’s hard to get rid of them if they’re unreliable,” she states. Earlier this year, a government review chaired by former minister Alan Milburn found that one in eight young people aged 16 to 24 in the UK are not engaged in education, employment, or training, warning of the risks of a “lost generation.” Victoria Atkins, Conservative MP for Louth and Horncastle, attributes difficulties to increased taxes on businesses and laments the reduction in opportunities that previous generations took for granted. The government asserts it is addressing these issues through tax breaks, such as National Insurance exemptions for under-21s, and a £2.5 billion youth employment package intended to support nearly one million young people into work. Dave Charles remains committed to hiring young people, emphasizing the value of providing them a positive first experience in the workforce. “If you recruit the right young people they are great,” he says, while expressing concern for those missing out on such opportunities
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