All articles tagged with #youth unemployment
China’s leadership is balancing Xi Jinping’s ambition for a high-tech, AI-driven economy with a slower growth trajectory, a persistent housing downturn, and rising youth unemployment, as the National People’s Congress outlines a five-year plan that aims for “high-quality development” while supporting exports and social welfare to stabilize demand and employment.
ONS data show about 957,000 UK 16–24-year-olds were not in education, employment or training in Oct–Dec 2025 (12.8%), edging toward a million as the jobs market remains weak. More young women are out of work, and rising inactivity is linked to long-term sickness and neurodivergence. The government is expanding apprenticeships and paid placements, while an independent inquiry into rising youth unemployment is due this summer.
Ministers are reportedly weighing delaying the plan to remove discretionary age bands and raise 18–20-year-olds’ minimum wage to match those over 21, despite Labour’s manifesto commitment. With youth unemployment around 16% and employers warning higher wages may deter hiring, ministers may slow the timetable, though a full reversal is unlikely.
UK youth face a tougher job market with 16.1% of 16–24-year-olds unable to find work amid a 5.1% national unemployment rate; higher business costs and AI-driven hiring changes are shrinking entry-level roles, while graduates report fierce competition for limited opportunities, fueling calls for targeted support schemes.
UK unemployment rose to 5.1% in the three months to October, with a significant increase in youth unemployment, amid economic uncertainty and government policy debates on wages and hiring. Wages are still rising but at a slowing pace, and the Bank of England is considering interest rate cuts to stimulate growth while managing inflation. The government has announced initiatives to address youth unemployment, but concerns remain about the impact of recent policies on job creation.
Moroccan youth-led protests across multiple cities, driven by frustrations over corruption, economic inequality, and government spending on World Cup infrastructure, highlight a broader discontent with social and political issues. The protests, organized by the leaderless Gen Z 212 group, demand government reforms, accountability, and better social services, with the government responding with a mix of crackdowns and limited dialogue.
Protests erupted across Morocco over government priorities, with youth demanding better public services instead of stadiums for the 2030 World Cup. Police fired on protesters in Lqliaa, resulting in two deaths, amid widespread unrest in cities like Rabat, Casablanca, and Marrakesh. The government has detained hundreds, and protests are ongoing, driven by economic grievances and dissatisfaction with public infrastructure.
Amidst a broader economic slowdown and a hiring freeze, US youth unemployment has risen sharply, especially among recent graduates, with experts emphasizing that this is primarily due to a 'no hire, no fire' environment rather than AI disruption, which remains a secondary factor.
Goodwill CEO Steve Preston warns that AI-driven automation is already causing significant job losses, especially among low-wage and entry-level roles, with young people, particularly non-college grads and Gen Z, being hardest hit. He emphasizes the importance of digital skills and adapting to new technologies for future job prospects, while also suggesting alternative skills like clean tech for those seeking non-traditional careers.
Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell highlighted the challenging job market for recent graduates, especially among Gen Z and minorities, amid low hiring and firing rates, with AI potentially influencing employment trends. The long-term effects of this employment slump could impact lifetime earnings and economic mobility for young people, raising concerns about persistent labor market scars.
Young people face significant challenges in finding jobs due to economic uncertainty and AI disruption, but this also presents opportunities for new career paths and skills development, emphasizing resilience, adaptability, and unique personal qualities.
China's already high youth unemployment rate has worsened due to the trade war and economic challenges, making it difficult for highly educated graduates like Jethro Chen to find jobs, with the job market struggling to absorb the record number of new graduates.
Spain's economy is set to outpace other major advanced economies, driven by tourism, immigration, foreign investment, and public spending. A burgeoning tech startup scene, supported by favorable laws and tax incentives, is attracting talent and investment, making Spain a rising tech hub. However, challenges like low GDP per capita, high youth unemployment, and housing market issues persist. To sustain growth, Spain needs to enhance incentives for startups, increase R&D investment, and address economic imbalances.
A recent report highlights that many Gen Z individuals are turning down job opportunities due to the high costs of commuting and work attire, compounded by mental health challenges. The NatWest Youth Index 2024 reveals that these financial and psychological barriers are creating a cycle of unemployment and poor mental health among young adults. Despite these challenges, a significant portion of Gen Z remains determined to achieve their career goals, seeking support from employers and the government to overcome these obstacles.
A growing number of Gen Z individuals are becoming NEETs (not in employment, education, or training), contributing to record levels of youth unemployment globally. Economic hardships, lower earnings, and a preference for non-traditional job roles are some factors driving this trend. Additionally, mental health issues are causing more young people to be out of work due to ill health.