Young Workers Still Feeling the Pinch While the Economy Recovers
ONS data shows job numbers climbing, but the hard‑hit groups are still stuck in the trenches
The latest Office for National Statistics report confirms a steady decline in overall unemployment, which is great news for most of us. However, the data also paints a less rosy picture for younger workers—especially those freshly graduated or working in hospitality—who’re still bearing the brunt of a tough job market.
Geoff Smith, CEO of Grayce, pushes back on the “crisis” narrative
Grayce’s tech talent specialist, Geoff Smith, says the ONS numbers don’t capture the full story and that young, skilled professionals are in high demand across the UK. He argues that economy‑driven tech disruption means we need more of that talent now, not less.
“Sure, the job market’s shakening a bit after the pandemic, but we’re still seeing a whole lot of opportunities for bright, high‑skill graduates,” Smith explains. He adds that the shift to digital has opened up roles in banks, supermarkets, healthcare and law firms that require fresh, tech‑savvy minds.
Key Numbers – The Takeaway
- Unemployment is falling overall, but one in eight fresh graduates is still out of work.
- More than 25% of those employed are in low‑skill or unskilled roles.
- Just 65% of clients served in 2016 have now grown to 1,500+ clients—a huge jump in demand for tech and data specialists.
Smith calls these stats “shocking,” highlighting that the next wave of talent graduates this summer is now stepping into a job market that’s about as smooth as a scooter on a double‑sided ice rink.
Grayce’s Response
The company isn’t sitting on its hands. With over 2,000 applications pour into its Development Programme each month—a staggering 95% increase since 2016—Grayce is scaling up to meet the need. Analyst intake rose by 67% in the last 12 months alone, and they’ve helped more than 1,000 fresh graduates launch their careers.
“We’re on a mission to match great talent with great jobs. After paying top‑notch tuition, these young people deserve the high‑skill, well‑paid positions they’ve dreamed of,” Smith says, adding a dash of humor: “If you’re still stuck making ends meet with a desk job, it probably means you forgot to ship your resume to us—just kidding, you’re welcome. But seriously, we’re ready to help.”
Get Involved
If you’re a fresh graduate or a tech‐savvy pro looking for your next move, keep an eye on Grayce’s openings. They’re always looking for bright minds who can help drive digital disruption forward.
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