Employers looking to strengthen their future talent pipeline should consider entry-level roles and apprenticeships while planning carefully for the support young recruits need, according to employment lawyer Carol Shaw of SE-Solicitors.
A release shared with Onrec points to 1,012,000 people aged 16 to 24 who were not in education, employment or training in January to March 2026, citing ONS figures for that period. The figure describes an earlier quarter and should not be read as a current September estimate.
Shaw said businesses should consider working hours, appropriate supervision, access to funded training routes and reasonable adjustments when recruiting young people. Clear processes and the right support from day one can help employers offer worthwhile opportunities without overlooking younger workers' protections.
Carol Shaw, Director in Employment at SE-Solicitors, said in the release:
“Businesses currently have a genuine opportunity to bring young talent into their workforce, but young workers have distinct legal rights and protections that employers need to understand from the outset.”
She encouraged employers to check the rules that apply to their own circumstances and obtain specific advice where needed. The release also highlights apprenticeship funding and mentoring as routes to develop the next generation of workers.
Source: SE-Solicitors press release shared by LOCALiQ. The ONS figure refers to January to March 2026.
