Back to today’s briefing

Story perspectives

AI Cuts UK Entry-Level Jobs for 16–24s, CBI Warns

8/28/2026

27 6 Full Breakdown

Summary

Story summary

UK employers cut entry-level jobs for 16-24-year-olds over the past year.
AI or automation reduced entry-level positions for 36% of firms, rising to 60% among large employers.
Medium-sized firms cut entry-level roles at 48% and large firms at 46%, versus 24% of small firms.
The Confederation of British Industry urged the government to reverse payroll-tax hikes and reconsider employment-law changes.

History

Historical Context

After the 2008 financial crisis sparked the Great Recession—officially December 2007 to June 2009—the United Kingdom slipped into recession in the second quarter of 2008, driving youth unemployment sharply higher by 2009. The IMF’s 2010 warning urged Britain’s government and the Bank of England to boost skills training to avoid a repeat.

1 of 2

Story summary

UK employers cut entry-level jobs for 16-24-year-olds over the past year.
AI or automation reduced entry-level positions for 36% of firms, rising to 60% among large employers.
Medium-sized firms cut entry-level roles at 48% and large firms at 46%, versus 24% of small firms.
The Confederation of British Industry urged the government to reverse payroll-tax hikes and reconsider employment-law changes.

1 / 2