There are now as many as 739,000 people aged 16 to 24 who can’t find employment – up 100,000 in just the past year.
Even the household of the Bank of England’s chief economist Huw Pill is not immune to the difficulties. Last week he told the Treasury Select Committee: ‘I very much share your concern about unemployment, particularly for the younger people.
‘I have a daughter looking for a job, so this is a very immediate experience for me personally as well.’
But while the unemployment rate is rising, and the number of graduate jobs has fallen to a ten-year low, according to recruitment website Adzuna, there are still sectors with a huge shortage of applicants. Here are some directions you could steer your loved ones towards to help them find their next role.
According to trade body UK Hospitality, there are as many as 132,000 vacancies in this sector
Surveyors
The number of new surveyors is not keeping up with demand, according to the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS).
Surveyors manage the costs and contractual requirements for construction projects, dealing with contractors and specialists. Quantity surveying typically requires a RICS-accredited degree, or one in a relevant course such as construction or engineering followed by a postgraduate conversion course.
Trainees typically earn up to £24,000 per year, rising to up to £32,000 for graduates. Chartered surveyors can earn up to £56,000, while salaries for senior and management roles extend above £70,000.
Forestry
The Royal Forestry Society says at least 600 new recruits are needed each year to prevent a ‘skills crisis’.
Forestry England offers a two-year graduate programme that pays £33,854 per year, and requires a 2:1 degree or higher in any subject.
Candidates will work across multiple departments in a district office, covering forest planning, land management and recreation in their first year, before joining the operations team in Bristol.
Probation and prison officers
The Ministry of Justice last month launched a drive to recruit 1,000 more probation officers. Salaries for probation and prison officers start at £26,475 and £33,746 respectively.
Prison officer job postings say no specific qualifications are required – instead they focus on communication skills, decision-making and care. Duties include supervising inmates, supporting rehabilitation and helping them learn new skills.
Probation officers supervise offenders, visit them in prison or in hostels, and attend court hearings with them.
Chefs and bar staff
According to trade body UK Hospitality, there are as many as 132,000 vacancies in the sector.
Chefs are among the most sought after, with a 21 per cent shortfall.
Salaries for commis chef – the most junior chef position in a professional kitchen – vary, but many are advertised at about £30,000.
Many require no prior experience, with roles offered across restaurants, hotels and commercial kitchens.
The British Army is currently offering a trainee chef role paying £26,334 per year and requiring no experience.
While many bars and pubs advertise online, handing in a copy of your CV in person may be enough to land a job, often paying about £15 per hour with no experience.
Skilled tradespeople
There is an enormous shortfall of 166,000 tradespeople in the UK, according to B&Q owner Kingfisher, because more are retiring than joining the industry.
Checkatrade says newly qualified tradespeople can expect to earn around £32,000 per year. This rises substantially with experience and for specialised trades.
Logic4Training says electricians and plumbers earn an average salary of around £49,000, but business owners and specialists can earn in excess of £80,000 per year.
Linkedin says roles such as heating engineers, building inspectors and preconstruction managers are well in demand, particularly in light of the Government’s pledge to build 1.5 million more homes.
AI-based jobs
Linkedin lists AI roles at the top of its ‘jobs on the rise’ list for 2026.
Entry level roles often don’t require specific qualifications, but you’ll need experience and knowledge of AI and computer science.
One role at Ageas offers up to £72,000 per year, but requires knowledge of technical software.