More than 70% of UK's young adults are on edge about their job prospects and the economy, with nearly three-quarters expressing deep anxiety about their career futures. A recent study conducted by the King's Trust has revealed a worrying trend among 16 to 25-year-olds, who are facing an uncertain economic landscape marked by technological change and limited job growth.
According to the YouGov survey of over 4,000 participants, 73% of respondents felt acutely anxious about their career prospects, with concerns about artificial intelligence and weak job availability dominating their fears. The study found that nearly six in ten young people believe they are ill-prepared for employment and that most entry-level roles offer little job security.
The findings have sparked concern among experts, who argue that the youth unemployment crisis is having a lasting impact on the mental health and wellbeing of this generation. "Concerns about employment prospects are inextricably linked to wellbeing," said Jonathan Townsend, CEO of the King's Trust.
The report also highlights the impact of technology on young people's career aspirations. The proportion of respondents worried about the impact of AI on their job security has risen by 10 percentage points over the past year, reaching 59%. Additionally, three in five respondents felt they lacked the qualifications and work experience required for their desired careers.
The UK government has responded to the survey with a promise to create genuine opportunities for young people. The work and pensions secretary said that the £1.5 billion investment in youth guarantee schemes would provide young people with the chance to earn, learn, and gain valuable work experience.
However, experts warn that more needs to be done to address the root causes of this crisis. "The survey is a helpful but concerning snapshot of how young people are feeling about their future opportunities," said Barry Fletcher, CEO of the Youth Futures Foundation.
With nearly 12.5% of UK's youth not in education, employment or training last year, the UK is falling behind internationally on youth employment outcomes. The country ranks 27th out of 38 OECD countries in its Youth Employment Index 2025, citing high Neet rates and weaker transitions from education into work.
The findings paint a bleak picture for this generation, with concerns about job prospects and economic uncertainty taking a toll on their confidence and wellbeing.
According to the YouGov survey of over 4,000 participants, 73% of respondents felt acutely anxious about their career prospects, with concerns about artificial intelligence and weak job availability dominating their fears. The study found that nearly six in ten young people believe they are ill-prepared for employment and that most entry-level roles offer little job security.
The findings have sparked concern among experts, who argue that the youth unemployment crisis is having a lasting impact on the mental health and wellbeing of this generation. "Concerns about employment prospects are inextricably linked to wellbeing," said Jonathan Townsend, CEO of the King's Trust.
The report also highlights the impact of technology on young people's career aspirations. The proportion of respondents worried about the impact of AI on their job security has risen by 10 percentage points over the past year, reaching 59%. Additionally, three in five respondents felt they lacked the qualifications and work experience required for their desired careers.
The UK government has responded to the survey with a promise to create genuine opportunities for young people. The work and pensions secretary said that the £1.5 billion investment in youth guarantee schemes would provide young people with the chance to earn, learn, and gain valuable work experience.
However, experts warn that more needs to be done to address the root causes of this crisis. "The survey is a helpful but concerning snapshot of how young people are feeling about their future opportunities," said Barry Fletcher, CEO of the Youth Futures Foundation.
With nearly 12.5% of UK's youth not in education, employment or training last year, the UK is falling behind internationally on youth employment outcomes. The country ranks 27th out of 38 OECD countries in its Youth Employment Index 2025, citing high Neet rates and weaker transitions from education into work.
The findings paint a bleak picture for this generation, with concerns about job prospects and economic uncertainty taking a toll on their confidence and wellbeing.
It's so sad to see our young people stressing out like this 
70% of them are basically on edge, it's like they're living in a constant state of anxiety 
What's the point of all these youth guarantee schemes if they're not actually doing anything to address the root cause of the problem? 
I mean, £1.5 billion sounds like a lot, but is it really enough to make a difference? 
. Like, yeah, it's super scary to be in your 20s and not know what's gonna happen next, but I think that's when we're most capable of adapting and learning. We just need some support and resources, you know? And it sounds like the UK government is taking steps in the right direction with that £1.5 billion investment 
. But let's be real, it's not just about money – it's about creating a system that works for everyone 
. Maybe we can learn from other countries and find ways to improve our own youth employment outcomes? And who knows, maybe this anxiety is actually a good thing because it means people are thinking about the future and wanting to make a change 
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. I mean, 70% of young adults in the UK are freaking out about their career prospects? That's wild! 
And it's not just about finding a job, but also feeling prepared for them and worried about the impact of AI on their livelihoods... talk about anxiety 
. The fact that 3/5 respondents feel they lack the necessary skills is super concerning, too 
. We need more than just a promise to create opportunities – we need real change! 
I'm really concerned about the state of mind our younger generation is in, especially when it comes to their future career prospects. The stats are alarming - 73% anxious, 60% lacking qualifications... it's like they're being left high and dry 
. It's not just about throwing money at youth guarantee schemes; we need a comprehensive plan to address the root causes of this crisis 
. The UK's ranking in the Youth Employment Index is a wake-up call - we can't afford to be 27th out of 38 countries when it comes to supporting our young people 
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I mean, I get it, it's tough out there and all that, but can't we try to be more constructive? 
. And another thing, why do online forums always have to be so... forum-y? Can't we just have a conversation without all the drama and assumptions? 
they're already feeling anxious about their futures, and now we're telling them that there's nothing we can do about it? it's like we're just putting a band-aid on the problem 
. Back in my day, we didn't have all these fancy tech worries 'bout AI and automation changin' the job market overnight. We just worked hard, got some experience, and figured it out as we went along 
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