Study indicates that a significant number of young adults in the UK feel anxious regarding employment and the economy.

Recent research conducted by the King’s Trust reveals that over 70% of teenagers and young adults in the UK harbor reservations about launching their careers in the prevailing economic climate. This finding reflects the uneasy sentiments many young people experience as they strive to enter the job market.

Alarmingly, the study indicates that more than a quarter of individuals aged between 16 and 25 feel a sense of impending failure in their lives, underscoring a significant rise in anxiety levels amongst this demographic as they seek to establish themselves professionally.

Jonathan Townsend, the UK chief executive of the King’s Trust, commented on these findings, stating, “This new research highlights that today’s youth are extremely worried about their career prospects and overall futures, particularly those already facing significant barriers.” His words echo the sentiments of many young individuals navigating this challenging landscape.

The data, drawn from a YouGov survey that encompassed 4,097 participants, showcases that an overwhelming 73% of the respondents are filled with anxiety about their future careers and harbor doubts about the availability of job opportunities tailored for individuals like themselves.

This research, sponsored by the retailer TK Maxx, was unveiled on Tuesday as part of the charity’s social impact report titled “50 Years of Working for Young People.” The report accentuates the economic uncertainties faced by young individuals, revealing additional concerns about the implications of advancing technology on their future job security.

“The proportion of young people expressing concern about the impact of artificial intelligence on their future job security has soared by 10 percentage points within the past year, reaching 59%,” Townsend elaborated. This finding illustrates the growing fears among young people regarding how AI, coupled with limited job prospects and economic instability, may adversely affect their long-term employment outcomes.

Barry Fletcher, chief executive of the Youth Futures Foundation, identifies the survey as “a helpful yet troubling snapshot of the sentiments young people hold regarding their future opportunities.” This perspective is reflected in the study, where a significant majority articulated feelings of unpreparedness and trepidation about entering the job market.

The results indicated that three in five respondents feel inadequately prepared for employment, with 64% believing that most entry-level jobs lack stability. Additionally, a quarter of those surveyed reported they do not possess the necessary qualifications for their desired careers, while 28% highlighted a shortage of relevant work experience.

The survey further identified a pattern of declining job opportunities at the local level, with 31% of young individuals stating that the scarcity of job openings in their area poses the most significant barrier to achieving their career aspirations. This figure has increased by 7% compared to last year’s equivalent survey, signaling an even graver situation for young job seekers.

These findings align closely with national statistics indicating that over 12.5% of individuals aged 16 to 24 in the UK—approximately 925,000 young people—were not engaged in education, employment, or training (Neet) in the previous year. Such numbers reveal alarming trends regarding youth engagement in the workforce.

Moreover, separate analyses point to the UK’s disappointing performance in comparison to other nations regarding youth employment metrics. An evaluation from the accounting firm PwC ranked the UK 27th out of 38 OECD countries in its Youth Employment Index 2025. This ranking reflects relatively high Neet rates and a subpar transition from education to employment when compared to peer countries.

Elevated levels of youth inactivity are expected to generate substantial long-term economic repercussions, adding weight to the urgency of the issue. The King’s Trust underscored that these findings illustrate a generation entering adulthood amid prolonged economic instability, rapid technological advancements, and limited job growth. They emphasized that these conditions have tangible impacts on confidence, preparedness, and expectations for the future.

“Concerns surrounding job prospects are intricately linked to overall wellbeing,” Townsend remarked, reinforcing the importance of addressing these fears. In response to the survey’s findings, work and pensions secretary Pat McFadden stated, “Our youth guarantee and £1.5 billion investment, supported by top employers, will create substantial opportunities for our young people to earn, learn, and acquire valuable work experience.”

In conclusion, he added, “We’re committed to supporting the next generation because their success translates into success for Britain as a whole.” These affirmations come at a crucial moment; the future of youth employment requires collective attention and innovative solutions to ensure the development of a workforce fully prepared to meet future economic challenges.