--- title: "Young workers struggle to secure permanent contracts in England" url: https://newscentral.site/young-workers-struggle-to-secure-permanent-contracts-in-england/ language: en publisher: "News Central Site" section: "Science" published: 2026-11-12T02:20:01.000Z updated: 2026-11-13T01:35:46.517Z id: afebf14d-a9e9-4771-9af8-8b54fe58da1d source: "Phys.org https://phys.org/news/2026-11-england-young-workers-higher-permanent.html" attribution: "Link to https://newscentral.site/young-workers-struggle-to-secure-permanent-contracts-in-england/ and name News Central Site when you quote or summarize this story." --- # Young workers struggle to secure permanent contracts in England A recent study found that only half of young people outside higher education had secured stable employment by age 20. A significant number of young workers in England are struggling to secure permanent contracts, a trend that has seen a dramatic decline over the past six years. According to a recent study, only half of those outside higher education have managed to land stable employment by the age of 20. The study, which followed thousands of young people from ages 15-16 through to 19-20, highlights the stark reality facing many in this age group. Among those who did not pursue further education, a mere 16% secured apprenticeships, while just 23% had found stable work by their late teens. The research, led by Professor Sharon Gewirtz from King's College London, sheds light on the challenges faced by young workers in England. The study reveals that temporary and casual employment are often associated with lower pay, poorer working relationships, and less job satisfaction than apprenticeships or stable work. Young people who experienced mental health issues, bullying, or unfair treatment at school were more likely to struggle with workplace relationships and have limited say in their jobs as they entered the workforce. These vulnerabilities can persist into early labor market experiences, making it even harder for them to succeed. The findings of this study are a cause for concern, highlighting the need for targeted support and policies to address the issues faced by young workers in England. The research will continue with future waves, providing further insights into the challenges and opportunities facing this age group as they transition from education to employment. The study's results show a stark contrast between the number of young workers in permanent contracts and those who are not in education, employment or training (NEET). While a significant portion of young people are struggling to secure stable work, many others are actively seeking opportunities or engaged in unpaid work. Among NEET respondents, nearly seven out of 10 were either looking for work or further education, or contributing their time and skills through volunteer or caregiving roles. This challenges the notion that being NEET is synonymous with disengagement and inactivity. However, the research also highlights significant disparities in access to apprenticeships and stable employment. Young people from Asian and Black backgrounds are equally likely to apply for apprenticeships as their white peers but face a substantial barrier when it comes to securing a place. The data reveals that while some groups may be more likely to pursue further education, others struggle to find stable employment. For instance, Black young people who choose not to continue in education at the age of 16 are significantly less likely to be in steady work two years later compared to their white peers. These findings suggest that the current post-school transition system is failing a considerable number of young people, highlighting the need for reform as emphasized by an upcoming independent review into NEET status. The stark reality faced by many young workers outside higher education is that they are struggling to secure permanent contracts, a trend that has seen a significant decline in recent years. Research highlights the importance of addressing these inequalities and providing decent opportunities for young people who want to work. However, it seems that current welfare reforms could exacerbate this problem instead of solving it. The focus should be on increasing access to good work, which means tackling low pay and unfair recruitment practices. Strengthening protections against oppressive work cultures is also crucial in ensuring that young workers are treated fairly. A key aspect of creating fulfilling work experiences for young people is providing them with autonomy and a voice at the workplace. This can help prevent burnout and promote overall well-being. The latest results from the Young Lives, Young Futures project paint a sobering picture of the challenges faced by many young workers. These findings reinforce the need for meaningful reforms to address the issues highlighted in previous reports. As policymakers await the publication of Alan Milburn's second report, it is clear that more apprenticeships and vocational pathways are needed to support young people in their transition from education to employment. The latest data on employment trends among young workers in England reveals a concerning drop in permanent contract rates for those outside higher education. Employment stability is a pressing concern for policymakers, who are now faced with the task of addressing this issue through targeted policy initiatives. A significant number of these initiatives will focus on creating more apprenticeships and vocational pathways to support young people's transition from education to employment. This shift towards greater workforce diversity is seen as essential in ensuring that all young workers have access to stable job opportunities, regardless of their educational background. --- Source: [Phys.org](https://phys.org/news/2026-11-england-young-workers-higher-permanent.html) Published by News Central Site: https://newscentral.site/young-workers-struggle-to-secure-permanent-contracts-in-england/