More than 70% of young adults in the UK are expressing significant anxiety about entering the job market in the current economic climate. This finding comes from a recent study conducted by the King’s Trust, which reveals that many individuals aged 16 to 25 fear failure as they begin their careers. According to the research, over a quarter of respondents in this age group feel they are destined to fail in life, reflecting a troubling trend of anxiety for those poised to enter the workforce.
The YouGov survey, which included responses from 4,097 individuals, indicates that 73% of young people are particularly worried about their future career prospects. They express concern that there will not be enough job opportunities available for them. This research was published on March 5, 2024, as part of the charity’s social impact report titled 50 Years of Working for Young People, sponsored by the retailer TK Maxx.
Rising Concerns Over Job Security and Technology
The report highlights that young people’s worries are exacerbated by advancements in technology. The proportion of respondents concerned about the impact of artificial intelligence on their job security has surged by 10 percentage points over the past year, now reaching 59%. Jonathan Townsend, UK Chief Executive of the King’s Trust, stated, “We found young people expressing deep fears about how AI, alongside weak job availability and economic instability, is going to affect their long-term employment prospects.”
Barry Fletcher, Chief Executive of the Youth Futures Foundation, described the survey as “a helpful but concerning snapshot of how young people are feeling about their future opportunities.” The study revealed that a significant majority of young adults feel ill-prepared for the job market. Approximately 60% reported feeling unprepared for employment, while 64% believed that most entry-level positions are insecure.
Local Job Availability and Broader Implications
Concerns regarding job availability at the local level are also apparent. The survey found that 31% of young respondents identified a lack of job opportunities in their areas as the main barrier to achieving their career goals, marking a 7% increase compared to the previous year’s findings. This mirrors national data showing that about 12.5% of individuals aged 16 to 24 in the UK—approximately 925,000 young people—were not in education, employment, or training (NEET) last year.
Furthermore, a separate analysis from accounting firm PwC ranks the UK 27th out of 38 OECD countries in its Youth Employment Index 2025. The report attributes this position to relatively high NEET rates and less effective transitions from education to work compared to peer nations. It also warns that sustained youth inactivity could lead to significant long-term economic costs.
The King’s Trust emphasized that its findings reflect a generation entering adulthood amid ongoing economic uncertainty, rapid technological advancements, and constrained job growth. According to Townsend, “Concerns about employment prospects are inextricably linked to well-being.”
In response to the survey’s findings, Pat McFadden, the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, stated, “Our youth guarantee and £1.5 billion investment, backed by leading employers, will create genuine opportunities for young people to earn, learn, and gain valuable work experience. We’re backing the next generation because when they succeed, Britain succeeds.”
As young adults in the UK navigate these challenges, the implications for their mental health and future economic stability remain a pressing concern. The insights from this research underscore the urgent need for supportive measures to alleviate the anxiety gripping this generation as they step into an uncertain future.
