Domesday Live

Are young people finding it harder to get a job?

A larger share of 16 to 24 year olds are out of work than of older adults, and in some recent periods the gap has widened. Fewer entry-level jobs, more young people out of work through ill health and employers' costs all play a part.

Why it happens

• Young people are the first to lose out in a slowdown. When employers stop hiring, new starters find it hardest, because there are fewer entry-level vacancies and many applicants for each.
• More are out of work through ill health. A growing number of young people say they are not working because of long-term health problems, often mental health, and they are not counted as unemployed.
• Education counts too. Many 16 to 24 year olds are in full-time study. The unemployment rate only counts those who are looking for work, so it can look high or low depending on how many are studying.
• The cost of hiring. Some employers say higher minimum wages and employer National Insurance make it dearer to take on someone with no experience.