Virtual interviews don't show bosses your personality, says Burnham
Young jobseekers describe the recruitment process as brutal while firms increasingly rely on artificial intelligence.
Stock photo for illustration only, not from the actual event
- Over one million 16 to 25-year-olds are not in work or education
- 89% of UK recruiters plan to use more AI in the hiring process
- Burnham proposes six-week work placements and technical education for teens
With more than one million individuals aged 16 to 25 currently not in education, employment, or training—marking the highest level in over 12 years according to official figures—and job vacancies hitting a five-year low, companies are increasingly turning to artificial intelligence to sift through applications and opting for online interviews instead of face-to-face meetings.
Nevertheless, several young people shared with the BBC that applying for hundreds of jobs without ever receiving a response feels completely robotic and brutal.
This trend aligns with data from LinkedIn indicating that approximately 89% of recruiters in the UK intend to incorporate more artificial intelligence into their hiring workflows this year. Additional reports highlight that certain AI systems can discard job applications in less than two minutes.
Stock photo for illustration only, not from the actual event
The widespread adoption of automated screening and artificial intelligence by corporations, while efficient for human resources departments managing massive applicant pools, introduces significant barriers for entry-level candidates whose interpersonal traits and potential cannot be captured by algorithms, thereby exacerbating modern labor market inequality.
Addressing these challenges on a podcast, Burnham suggested that companies offering six-week work placements for teenagers could receive priority consideration for government contracts. He expressed his desire to expand 45-day placement opportunities, giving 16 to 18-year-olds extended time with employers to acquire hands-on practical experience.
Furthermore, the Prime Minister urged senior executives to offer young people lacking established contact networks the opportunity to shadow them. These remarks follow Burnham's unveiling of plans on Tuesday to introduce new technical education pathways for 14-year-olds, placing them on an equal footing with traditional academic routes. Beginning in Year 10, students will combine core academic subjects like English and mathematics with technical education tailored to local job markets.
Source: BBC Business
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