The boss of Next has warned that the number of entry-level job opportunities in the United Kingdom has seen a “dramatic fall.”
The warning comes from the chief executive of one of the UK’s most prominent high street retailers, highlighting growing concern about access to work for younger or first-time employees.
Entry-level roles, which have traditionally served as a gateway for young people entering the workforce, are becoming increasingly difficult to find across the country.
Saturday jobs and similar part-time positions have long been considered a vital first step for school-age workers and those seeking their first experience of employment.
The decline in such opportunities represents a significant shift in the retail and broader employment landscape, according to the Next chief’s remarks.
Fewer entry-level positions means fewer chances for young people to develop the skills and experience that employers typically look for when hiring.
The warning from one of Britain’s best-known retail leaders is likely to draw attention from policymakers and Business groups concerned about youth employment prospects.
A reduction in accessible, entry-level work can have long-term consequences for individuals, particularly those who rely on such roles to build confidence and practical workplace skills.
The comments from Next’s boss suggest that structural changes within the jobs market are making it harder for those with little or no experience to secure their first position.
The remarks are expected to add to a wider conversation about the pressures facing both employers and job seekers in the current UK economic environment.