The Youth Voice Census 2025, based on insights from over 8,000 young people aged 11–30 across the UK, delivers a sobering message: the next generation of workers is not thriving—they’re surviving. For businesses, this isn’t just a social concern. It’s a strategic imperative.

With nearly a million young people not in education, employment, or training (NEET), and employers across sectors struggling to fill skills gaps, the disconnect between youth potential and workforce readiness is costing the UK dearly in productivity, innovation, and growth.

📊 Key Findings That Should Concern Every Business

• Confidence vs. Readiness: While soft skills like teamwork and resilience are improving, only 49% of young people feel they understand what employers want. Among NEET youth, that drops to just 26%.
• Work Experience Crisis: Just 26% accessed work experience in the past year. Lack of experience is the top barrier to employment.
• Mental Health & Disruption: Illness and stress are keeping young people out of classrooms and workplaces. 1 in 5 missed 5+ days of work due to health issues.
• Digital Divide: Confidence in digital skills is slipping, especially among disadvantaged groups. Only 25–30% feel able to use advanced workplace software.
• Employer Perception: Only 25% of young people believe employers are supportive of hiring them. Among NEET youth, that plummets to 4%.

💼 What Businesses Can Do—And Why They Must

The report outlines five urgent actions, with clear implications for employers:

1. Support Early Work Exposure
   Offer meaningful work experience, internships, and shadowing opportunities. These aren’t just nice-to-haves—they’re essential bridges into employment.
2. Champion Inclusive Hiring
   Adopt youth-friendly recruitment practices. Use the Good Youth Employment Standards to ensure fair pay, development, and progression.
3. Invest in Skills Development
   Partner with educators to co-design career pathways. Provide mentoring, training, and feedback that builds confidence and capability.
4. Close the Support Gap
   Collaborate with local youth hubs and digital platforms to reach young people who are furthest from opportunity.
5. Lead the Culture Shift
   Join the Campaign of Opportunity to celebrate youth potential and visibly commit to building a future-ready workforce.

📣 Why This Is More Than CSR

Supporting young people isn’t charity—it’s a business investment. The future of your workforce depends on it. Whether you’re an SME or a multinational, your productivity, resilience, and reputation are shaped by how you engage with the next generation.

As LJ Rawlings, CEO of Youth Employment UK, puts it:

“This is not just policy. It is leadership. And it is urgent.”

Youth Voice Census Report 2025