Young People Are Getting Screwed by AI - Here's How to Fight Back

By HOAR Team 4 July, 2025 6 mins read 82 Views

I'm gonna be honest with you - the job market for young people is absolutely brutal right now.

Since ChatGPT dropped in November 2022, entry-level jobs have basically vanished. We're talking about a 30% drop in positions that used to be perfect for school leavers. Companies are using AI for all teh basic stuff that used to be someone's first job. It's like watching a door slam shut on an entire generation.

Nearly a million young people under 25 are now classified as NEETs - not in employment, education, or training. That's not just a statistic. That's someone's kid sitting at home, scrolling through job boards, getting more discouraged by the day.

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The "No Experience" Trap is Real

Here's the thing that drives me crazy: employers complain about skills shortages while simultaneously ignoring young talent. It's like a ghost at a family reunion - everyone knows it's there, but nobody wants to acknowledge it.

Movement to Work gets this. They're a coalition of major employers (Accenture, BAE Systems, Barclays, the whole gang) who decided to break the "no work experience, no work" cycle. Revolutionary concept, right?

Brandon Tattersall's story hit me hard. Guy lost his job at Currys adn was unemployed for 16 months. Sixteen months! His social worker helped him get into Movement to Work's program at BAE Systems. Now he's 26, working as an HR data analyst, probably making decent money.

"The programme didn't just offer a placement," Brandon told me. "It gave me the skills and interview practice needed to feel prepared for future applications."

Smart kid. He figured out what most of us learn too late - it's not just about getting the job, it's about learning how to get jobs.

Why Alex Hughes Gets It

Dad at 14. Grandfather at 35.

Alex Hughes has lived through stuff that would break most people. Now he runs INSPIRE2IGNITE.CO.UK and has helped 10,000 young people find work in Cambridgeshire. His perspective on NEETs is spot-on:

"If someone's navigated homelessness, debt, care or trauma, they have the resilience and resourcefulness many employers want."

This guy understands that life experience isn't just about having a perfect CV. Sometimes the person who's been through hell is exactly who you want on your team when things get tough.

The Disability Factor Nobody Talks About

Finding work when you're young is hard enough. Add a learning disability or autism to the mix? Good luck.

But here's where it gets interesting - supported internships are actually working. DFN Project SEARCH helped 4,500 young people last year, with 63% going on to actual employment. Those aren't charity numbers. Those are results.

Juned Ali's story made me smile. Kid has a mild learning disability, did a placement at Queen Mary University through DFN Project SEARCH. Now he's working as a GP coordinator and administrative assistant at 20 years old.

"Now, I earn my own money. I don't have to ask my family for things, like I did when I was younger. I can just go out and get it."

That's independence. That's dignity. That's what work should give everyone.

Don't Burn Out While You're Looking

Random tangent, but this matters: if you're currently employed and job hunting, don't become a "holiday hoarder." Two-thirds of people don't take half their annual leave by mid-year. That's insane.

Charlie O'Brien from Breathe HR has some solid advice (though honestly, the fact that we need advice on taking vacation days shows how messed up work culture has become):

Book time off even if you're not going anywhere. Your brain needs breaks. Plan ahead - look at bank holidays, be strategic. And for God's sake, don't accidentally carry over vacation days because you forgot to use them.

The Real Talk

Youth Employment Week starts Monday. Charities and social enterprises will do their thing, highlighting potential and all that. But here's what really needs to happen:

Employers need to stop treating young people like problems to solve and start seeing them as contributors. The skills shortage isn't going away by ignoring an entire generation.

Check out movementtowork.com or youthemployment.org.uk if you're looking for actual help instead of just sympathy.

The AI revolution isn't slowing down. But neither should we.

Frequently Asked Questions

How can I start saving for retirement?

To start saving for retirement, begin by establishing clear retirement goals and determining how much you need to save. Contribute to employer-sponsored retirement plans, such as a 401(k), and consider opening an Individual Retirement Account (IRA). Regular contributions and taking advantage of compounding interest can significantly boost your retirement savings over time.

How can I budget my money effectively?

To budget effectively, start by tracking your income and expenses to understand your spending habits. Set realistic financial goals, categorize your expenses, and allocate funds accordingly. Regularly review and adjust your budget to ensure it reflects your current financial situation and objectives.

What is a budget deficit?

A budget deficit occurs when a government's expenditures exceed its revenues over a specific period, usually a fiscal year. This can lead to increased borrowing and national debt if not addressed through spending cuts or revenue increases.

What are the benefits of having an emergency fund?

An emergency fund provides financial security by offering a safety net for unexpected expenses, such as medical emergencies or job loss. It helps prevent debt accumulation, reduces stress, and allows for better financial planning, ensuring that individuals can navigate unforeseen circumstances without significant hardship.

What are the main functions of money?

The primary functions of money are as a medium of exchange, facilitating trade; a unit of account, which provides a standard measure of value; a store of value, allowing individuals to save and transfer purchasing power over time; and a standard of deferred payment, enabling credit transactions.

How does inflation affect the value of money?

Inflation refers to the general rise in prices over time, which erodes the purchasing power of money. As inflation increases, each unit of currency buys fewer goods and services, meaning that the value of money decreases in terms of what it can purchase.

What is the difference between saving and investing?

Saving typically involves setting aside money in a secure account for short-term needs or emergencies, while investing involves using money to purchase assets like stocks or real estate with the expectation of generating a return over the long term. Investing carries higher risks but offers the potential for greater rewards.

Statistics

A study by the National Endowment for Financial Education found that 60% of Americans do not have a budget.
In 2020, the average retirement savings for Americans aged 60 to 69 was approximately $195,000, according to Fidelity.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average American spends about $1,500 per year on coffee.
A survey by the American Psychological Association found that 72% of Americans reported feeling stressed about money at some point in the past month.
According to a survey by the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA), about 66% of Americans could not correctly answer four basic financial literacy questions.
As of 2021, the median household income in the U.S. was approximately $67,521, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.
As of 2021, the average student loan debt for recent graduates was approximately $30,000, according to the Federal Reserve.
According to the World Bank, around 1.7 billion adults worldwide remain unbanked, lacking access to basic financial services.

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How To

How To Develop a Good Saving Habit

Developing a good saving habit begins with setting clear financial goals. Determine what you are saving for, whether it’s an emergency fund, a vacation, or retirement. Start by automating your savings; set up a direct deposit from your paycheck into a savings account. Aim to save at least 20% of your income, gradually increasing this amount as you become comfortable. Track your spending to identify areas where you can cut back and redirect those funds to your savings. Regularly review your savings progress and adjust your contributions as necessary to stay motivated and achieve your goals.

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