Youth unemployment is often discussed as a government statistic. But behind every number is a young person waiting for a first chance, a family worried about the future, and a business community that needs the next generation of workers, makers, builders and entrepreneurs.

Britain cannot build long-term prosperity while so many young people are left outside work, education or training.

According to the Office for National Statistics, more than one million young people aged 16 to 24 were not in education, employment or training in January to March 2026. That is 13.5% of all young people in that age group.

The House of Commons Library has also reported that 729,000 young people aged 16 to 24 were unemployed in the latest labour market figures, with the youth unemployment rate rising to 16.2%.

These are not small movements on a spreadsheet. They point to a deeper national challenge.

If young people cannot get a foothold in work, Britain loses skills, confidence and ambition – and employers lose future talent. The longer a young person remains disconnected from work or training, the harder it can become to re-enter the labour market.

This is why youth employment must be treated not as a side issue, but as a central part of backing British business.

What Needs to Happen Next

If Britain is serious about tackling youth unemployment, practical action is needed from government, business leaders, schools, colleges and communities.

1. Promote Apprenticeships

Apprenticeships give young people the chance to earn while they learn, gain practical experience and build careers in industries that Britain urgently needs: construction, engineering, manufacturing, care, hospitality, digital, logistics and the skilled trades.

We need schools, parents, colleges, government and businesses to promote vocational routes with the same confidence as university degrees. A young person who becomes a skilled electrician, technician, engineer, chef, carer or machine operator is building the foundations of Britain’s economy.

2. Encourage British Businesses to Take a Chance on Young People

Every experienced worker started somewhere. Every manager, tradesperson, business owner and team leader had to be given a first opportunity by someone.

British businesses have a major role to play by opening more entry-level roles, work placements and trainee positions. Young people may need training, patience and guidance, but they also bring energy, adaptability and ambition.

Taking a chance on a young person is an investment and with the right support, today’s inexperienced recruit can become tomorrow’s loyal employee, supervisor, manager or business owner.

3. Build Stronger Local Links Between Schools, Colleges and Employers

Young people need to see where opportunity exists. That means bringing local employers closer to schools and colleges, not just through occasional careers fairs, but through regular contact, workplace visits, mentoring, talks, practical projects and short placements.

Many young people do not know what jobs exist in their own town, city or region. They may never have visited a factory, building site, workshop, hotel, logistics hub, care provider, farm or engineering firm. Without that exposure, too many career paths remain invisible.

Local businesses can work directly with schools and colleges, to show young people in local communities what work looks like, what skills are needed and how to get started.

If we want young people to believe they have a future in British business, they need to see that future clearly.

This Is About Britain’s Future

Youth unemployment is not just a social problem – It’s a business problem, a skills problem and a national resilience problem.

If we allow a generation to lose touch with work, the cost will be felt for decades. It will show up in weaker growth, lower productivity, higher welfare spending, poorer health and less confidence in the future.

When young people are given the chance to work, train and contribute, the benefits spread widely: businesses gain talent, families gain stability, Britain gains a stronger workforce.

Britain does not lack ambition, we do not lack talent – but talent needs opportunity. Now is the time to make youth employment a national priority.

Backing British businesses means backing our young people.