Expert insight into recent employment news

The first quarter of 2025 has brought many challenges for those searching for work and currently in employment.

At Work Avenue – as the community’s leading employment and business support organisation – we know all about them. Each year we help thousands of people find jobs, gain promotion and change careers, as well as supporting them through any struggles or worries.

In this article, our experienced and expert employment team examine three key stories that have been in the news and offer their insights and practical advice.

If you are looking for a job, want in-work support or just wish to discuss anything in this article, please get in touch to see how we can help!

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The story: Fewer job openings for graduates and young people

The detail: The BBC (https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/c2307p4jjz4o) report that job vacancies are at their lowest level in nearly four years, particularly impacting the prospects of graduates and young people. They report a decade-high level of 16–24 year-olds currently not in work, education or training. The BBC also spoke to a number of university leavers who, despite having degrees, were frustrated at being turned down for work in supermarkets.

Our insight: It has been true for a long time that graduating from university isn’t a guaranteed ticket to getting any given job.

That is why we always encourage students to secure work experience/internships, get involved with societies and attend networking events, such as the recent Career Connect showcase we put on with the Union of Jewish Students and Masa.

It’s also important to utilise our support, as well as that offered by university career services, for CV advice and interview preparation in order to really stand out.

With regard to the specific BBC finding about supermarkets, graduates being rejected is also likely to be because the stores may worry that they are over-qualified and will leave when something better comes along.

The good news is that our Work Avenue Jobs Board continues to be full.

While most of these jobs are general vacancies – rather than specifically aimed at graduates – they are perfect for many clients, and can also act as stepping stones or provide valuable work experience for others. So please do come and speak to us.

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The story: One quarter of workers worry that AI will lead to job losses

The detail: A survey commissioned by workplace expert Acas (https://www.acas.org.uk/1-in-4-workers-worry-that-ai-will-lead-to-job-losses) found that more than 1 in 4 (26%) of workers are worried that artificial intelligence will lead to job losses. Other reservations expressed included AI making errors and a lack of regulation in the sector.

Our insight: Job losses being caused by AI and new technologies is a common fear we hear from our Work Avenue clients.

With the rapid advances in AI – including tools such as ChatGPT – over the last two years, it is understandable that people are concerned about the negative impact these could have on their long-term careers, as well as uncertainties about using AI within their current job role.

While some roles have been – and will be – lost to AI, it is also creating new jobs and enriching existing ones. Something we often see is clients using AI for basic tasks, freeing them up for more meaningful and rewarding work.

Another way we are seeing the benefits is in the job search itself, and we are helping clients use AI to find work, polish their CVs and even practice and refine their answers to commonly-asked interview questions.

We’ve found that by explaining the benefits of AI in a clear and easy-to-understand way our clients become interested and even fascinated by what they can achieve by using it.

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The story: Job cuts predicted as National Insurance hike begins

The detail: Employer National Insurance Contributions (NICs) recently increased by 1.2 percentage points to 15 per cent in the UK, impacting earnings above £5,000. The Independent (http://independent.co.uk/bulletin/news/ni-hike-price-rise-jobs-warning-b2728258.html) reports that businesses, particularly in the hospitality sector, warn this could lead to price increases, reduced staff hours and ultimately job losses.

Our insight: This increase is undoubtedly impacting organisations in all sectors, including our own communal charities. We are hearing from a number of clients who have lost a job, or are finding it increasingly hard to find one, specifically because of the increased costs to employers of the NI increase and other employment law changes.

Companies are certainly still hiring – as we said earlier our Jobs Board is full – but may be taking a more cautious approach, such as focusing on essential roles or those with a greater direct impact on the business.

It means it is more important than ever for people to focus on their skills and what they can bring to a role, and seek help when required.

At Work Avenue, we have a range of programmes to help with re-training and upskilling, as well as one-to-one expert support to help individuals discuss their career direction, identify transferable skills and explore new opportunities.

If you’re worried about redundancy or insecure work, speak to us early – we can help you plan next steps, explore retraining, and look at ways to future-proof your skills for sectors that are still growing.