UK Youth Employment in Two Sectors Falls by About 45,000

Payroll employment for young people in Britain's information and communication and finance sectors fell by about 45,000 from late 2022 to late 2025, leaving about 163,000 employed across the two sectors.

Information and communication employment for young people declined 30% over the period, while finance employment fell 10%. Employers also grew more reluctant to hire younger workers in the sectors.

“AI may be playing a part, but it’s unlikely to be the whole story,” said Raoul Ruparel, senior director at Boston Consulting Group’s Center for Growth. Ruparel said much of the decline occurred in 2023 and 2024, before today's more capable AI tools. He also pointed to the post-pandemic technology downturn and remote work as possible factors.