We examine the changes the youth labour market has undergone over the last two decades and call on the UK Government to increase support to help young people into quality work
The youth labour market has undergone significant changes over the last two decades, with a growing number of young people postponing entry into the workforce to pursue higher education and a sharp decline in opportunities that combine earning and learning.
The lack of a viable alternative to academic routes has left many young people entering the workforce without critical skills, such as communications, teamwork and problem-solving. Our report finds only one in four employers recruiting young people think they are well-prepared for the workplace.
Changing face of the youth labour market provides an analysis of key statistical data and public policy context, and proposes recommendations to UK Government to address the collapse in apprenticeships, unlock more apprenticeship opportunities to young people and create a strong vocational pathway into the labour market.
Find out more in our report.
Rebecca Peters, Senior Policy and Practice Adviser, outlines some of the biggest changes impacting people practices in 2026 and what actions people teams can take now. Offering a legal perspective, Shoosmiths' Paul Stokey, Partner and Head of People and Reward, and Emma Morgan, Partner and immigration specialist, highlight some of the key legal considerations under these reforms
In a tight labour market, how can people professionals build trusted pathways that grow talent from within and strengthen resilience. Is internal mobility being overlooked as a powerful way to close skills gaps?
Lizzie Crowley, Senior Policy Advisor, breaks down what’s changing, why it matters, and how organisations should respond.
Read our latest Labour Market Outlook report for analysis on employers’ recruitment, redundancy and pay intentions
Based on an assessment of FTSE 100 annual reports and focus groups with investors and HR leaders, this report gives benchmarking data, insights and practical recommendations for improving workforce reporting practices
Survey findings on employer and employee perspectives on trade union representation and relations, giving expert insight. The report makes recommendations on how to prepare for the key Employment Rights Bill reforms around trade union rights and strengthen employer and trade union partnership for mutual gain
Research in this report suggests that improving leadership and people management can help raise the motivation and productivity of the public sector workforce