Graduates turned down by supermarkets as vacancies hit four-year low

Graduates turned down by supermarkets as vacancies hit four-year low

Reporting for the BBC, Kirsty Grant and Jennifer Meierhans share the struggles of young people in their quest for employment. Despite the government’s emphasis on increasing youth employment, job vacancies in the UK have dwindled to their lowest level in almost four years. The British Retail Consortium (BRC) highlights the challenges faced by young people in securing jobs, attributing the decline in hiring to escalating employer costs and impending alterations to workers’ rights.

Faisa Ali Tarabi, a 24-year-old from Bolton, exemplifies the plight of many graduates grappling with unemployment. Armed with a degree in accounting and finance from the University of Salford and a masters in management from Manchester Metropolitan University, Faisa has been scouring for opportunities for 15 months to no avail. Despite her academic qualifications, she encountered disappointment in a recent attempt to secure a role at Aldi’s warehouse, with the recruitment team citing a lack of suitable vacancies.

The decline in job opportunities has left many young individuals disillusioned and disheartened. A recent report revealed that more 16-24 year-olds were not engaged in work, education, or training at levels unseen in over a decade. Faisa’s frustration resonates with numerous others who have expressed their struggles on social media, underscoring the pervasive difficulty in securing employment, even with higher education.

As businesses grapple with mounting employment costs, concerns grow over the impact of forthcoming legislative changes on hiring practices. The proposed Employment Rights Bill has ignited apprehension within the retail sector, with HR directors raising alarm over potential reductions in staff numbers and job flexibility. With job losses already on the rise within the retail industry, the implementation of new laws could exacerbate the situation, hindering recruitment efforts and further eroding job prospects for young individuals.

Offering a glimmer of hope is Amy Wilkes, a 23-year-old from Coventry, who recently secured employment as a support worker after enduring months of rejections. Amy’s advice to fellow job seekers is to persevere and not lose hope, emphasizing the value of self-confidence and determination in navigating the challenging job market. Despite the adversities faced by young people in the current employment landscape, initiatives such as the government’s “youth guarantee” aim to provide avenues for skill development and job placement, offering a ray of hope amidst prevailing uncertainty

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