Inequality of opportunity and a culture of nepotism are preventing many young people from landing their first job, as nearly one in three (30%) jobs in the UK jobs market come through a personal connection, a new study from youth charity UK Youth and KFC has found.
The study of over 4,000 16–25-year-olds across the UK and 500 businesses found that growing economic uncertainty and inequality of opportunity is holding many young people back from finding employment. 61% of young people say it is increasingly hard to land a job without a connection or a ‘way in’, whilst more than 2 in 5 (42%) say their dream job isn’t achievable because of their background.
Despite 95% of employers saying that their job application process judges all applicants equally, 1 in 3 (32%) acknowledge that it is hard for candidates to land a job without a connection with more than half (55%) surveyed saying they are more likely to hire someone recommended by a colleague, friend, or a family member.
This comes as the most recent ONS figures show number of young people not in education, employment or training (NEET) rose to nearly 800,000.
In response, KFC and UK Youth are calling on businesses and government to tackle hiring inequality by investing in programmes that help young people into employment, correcting the wide range of disparities that work against young people from specific backgrounds across the system.
This follows KFC’s launch of ‘Hatch’, a youth employability programme delivered with UK Youth, which will help 6,000 young people across the UK who have faced barriers to employment to land their first job.
Hiring discrimination
Whilst employers recognise skills as the most important factor for a prospective candidate to demonstrate, the study found that a young person’s background, accent and even appearance play a significant role in whether they land the job.
A quarter (24%) of employers say they would be more likely to hire a candidate if they attended the same university as them, with this figure rising to 34% if a candidate shared a “similar background”.
More than 1 in 4 (28%) employers have turned an applicant down for a job because of the way they speak, while a similar number (25%) say they have rejected an applicant because of the way they look.
This has left a majority of young people (54%) feeling anxious about being left behind by the job market.
Unlocking potential
Nonetheless, employers recognise the increasingly important role young people play in the UK’s workforce. 68% of employers said that young people were critical to their business – up from 66% last year – and over three quarters (78%) feel that young people have a positive impact on their workplace.
But it’s clear that young people need more support to get into work. 65% of young people say there’s not enough support available to help young people get into work, with 70% saying the Government should do more to help young people find a job and build their skills.
Asked about what support they would like most to help find a job, young people chose CV guidance, work experience and training.
To address this need, KFC have partnered with UK Youth to deliver a youth employability programme ‘Hatch’, which will help 6,000 young people across the UK who have faced barriers to employment to land their first job. By 2030 KFC aims for a third of all new hires into the business to be young people who have faced barriers to employment, coming through the programme.
KFC has also recently launched an inclusive members club, The Kentucky Club, to help give young people a fair shot at a first job. Open to all 16–24-year-olds, whatever their background or walk of life, the Kentucky Club will provide young people with the skills, network and opportunities to land their first job.
KFC and UK Youth are calling on government to work with the business and youth work communities to put in place a plan for young people that recognises the barriers many face to entering work, and provides practical support to overcome these obstacles.
In their joint report, Hatching a Plan, UK Youth and KFC identify the vital role that pre-employment training can play, as well as the importance of connecting young people with local jobs and opportunities in their area.
Kunwal, 19-year old and recent graduate of the Hatch programme says: “I found the idea of finding a job really overwhelming when I first started applying. I was quite shy and found classroom environments challenging, making me feel unmotivated about job interviews and entering the world of work.
“Starting the Hatch programme completely changed this mindset. I found that I work so much better in hands-on environments, where I can see and experience things and learn in that practical way. It also allowed me to learn my strengths and weaknesses at work without feeling judged or ashamed. Thanks to an inclusive environment, I came out of my shell and now feel comfortable to be myself, as well as support others facing similar issues that I’ve experienced .”
Minister for Social Mobility, Youth and Progression Mims Davies said: “Getting more young people into work is crucial to boosting employment, growing our economy, and securing rewarding futures. It is also key to making sure workplaces are hiring in an inclusive way, ensuring everyone can thrive no matter their background.
“Our recently expanded DWP Youth Offer means tens of thousands more 16 to 24-year-olds will have access to a Youth Employability Coach, providing them with tailored advice and support, alongside help with preparation for interviews.”
Ndidi Okezie, CEO of UK Youth, says: “In the UK, countless young people lack the opportunities, support and skills needed for secure stable employment, worsened by the pandemic and the ongoing cost of living crisis. It is crucial for the government to offer support and invest in initiatives that empower young people, but equally vital are collaborations between youth work organisations and businesses.
We are proud of our partnership with KFC for our Hatch employability programme, which is dedicated to equipping disadvantaged young people with the necessary skills and confidence they need to succeed. KFC’s innovative Kentucky Club initiative is particularly noteworthy, offering key networking, mentoring and skills development opportunities. By investing in these impactful programmes, we can effectively address hiring inequality and create pathways for young people into meaningful employment.”
Meg Farren, managing director of KFC UK & Ireland, says: “At KFC we believe every young person who wants a job should be able to get one. After all, we’ve been the first job for thousands of people in the UK; 65% of our 29,000-strong workforce are under the age of 25. But without the right connections, experience or even background, getting that first job can feel impossible for so many young people today.
“That’s why we’re calling for more investment in young people and their futures. That starts with employers, like us, investing in programmes like Hatch and the Kentucky Club that support and empower young people to take that first step in the world of work, whatever their background or experiences. But we can’t make that change alone, we need Government and other businesses to give the next generation the tools and support they need if we’re to truly unlock the potential of today’s young people.”
