New research suggests that over 250,000 young people in the UK are applying for jobs they don’t want because they’re desperate to work.
Findings from the King’s Trust TK Maxx Youth Index 2025 have shown that one in five young people not in employment, education, or training (NEET) are applying for jobs every day and almost a third have experienced a mental health problem due to being unemployed.
The King’s Trust, a charity aimed at helping those from disadvantaged communities to develop essential life skills and access job opportunities, released the Youth Index research in February.
Although youth unemployment briefly dipped during the Covid-19 pandemic with the number of NEET young people hitting a historic low of 9.5% in early 2021, this has now risen to 12.5%.
In London, more than half of young people feel anxious about their future on a daily basis, with 25% stating they will never have enough money to own their own home or earn enough to raise a family.
Asia, 23, from London, found herself adrift after finishing college during the pandemic.
She struggled to find employment in her field and suffered from depression and anxiety following numerous unsuccessful job applications.
She said: “I applied to countless roles in my sector but faced a lot of rejection and unsuccessful interviews.
“I eventually managed to get a job in hospitality but I wasn’t happy as this was not my dream.”
Emmanuel, also 23 and from London, faced challenges in mainstream education, including exclusion from college. After enrolling in a foundation course at university he felt like he was falling behind and struggled with feelings of isolation.
Whilst on universal credit and job searching without success, his mental health suffered as he became increasingly uncertain about his future.
He said: “I was regularly applying to various roles with a number of companies and retailers, but never got further than the interview stage, which was really disheartening.
“My situation was beginning to take a toll on my mental health and I felt like I was in a constant cycle of disappointment.”
Asia came across The King’s Trust ‘Get into Health and Social Care’ programme, which gave her the skills, confidence, and employability to break into the healthcare sector.
She is now working as a maternity support worker for the NHS, steadily realising her childhood dream of becoming a midwife.
Likewise, Emmanuel was referred to The King’s Trust ‘Explore’ programme, where he gained employability skills and mentorship, and now works as a youth animator at Rugby Works where he uses his experience to support other young people.
He said: “I didn’t have any qualifications or experience, but the programme gave me the chance to volunteer and gain experience, which was crucial in building my CV.”
Nearly one in eight young people in the UK – approximately 923,000 people aged 16-24 – are NEET, according to the latest figures from the Office for National Statistics.
A combination of factors has driven this rise, including economic insecurity, fewer training pathways, educational disengagement, and an uptick in mental health struggles.
Jonathan Townsend, UK chief executive of the King’s Trust, said: “This is a turbulent time for young people, but it is those who face the most disadvantage and in particular who are NEET, whose life chances and overall wellbeing are most at risk.
“The report presents sobering evidence of the effects of unemployment on young people’s mental health and aspirations, which further impacts their ability to get into work.
“Yet it also confirms what we know to be true from our daily interactions with young people, that so many desperately want to work and have great passion and potential.
“We all stand to gain by building a future that works for young people.”
The erosion of the ‘graduate premium’ has increased the problem, as degrees now often fail to deliver the expected return, and studies suggest that many graduates would be better off financially if they had not gone to university.
A study cited by Forbes found that fewer than one in three employers believe graduates are equipped with the necessary real-world skills.
Government policy has also played a role in reducing youth employment, as an increased in employers’ national insurance contributions (NICs) has made hiring more expensive.
As of April, employers have had to pay 15% on salaries above £5,000, as opposed to 13.8% on salaries above £9,100 previously.
Employment minster Alison McGovern has insisted that more employment support is being made available to young people.
She said: “I am determined that no one will be left on the scrapheap – that is my message to the almost one million young people not in education, employment, or training.”
Research has shown that the discouragement caused by repeated rejections from potential employers can have a ‘scarring’ effect on both individuals and the economy.
Katherine Eveleigh, senior head of delivery at The King’s Trust, said: “Concerns about job security and career prospects are negatively impacting young people’s mental health.
“Without urgent action, we risk a generation feeling locked out of accessing their potential and having stable and fulfilling lives.
“Young people remain determined to succeed – they have the ambition and potential – and we must ensure they have the right support, skills, and opportunities to take control of their futures.
“It’s crucial that we work together as a society to help young people access the training and jobs they need, which will not only transform their lives, but support and benefit the local communities they live in and help drive the local economy.”
Featured image: Niek Verlaan on Pixabay
