UK Graduates Face Rising Unemployment Rates

The UK is facing a sharp rise in youth unemployment, with ONS data on March 19 showing 16-24 unemployment of 22.5% in London and 16.1% nationwide. Graduates report hundreds of rejections, often citing automated screening and AI-led recruitment, while economists point to higher wages, social-security costs and sectoral weakness. On March 16 the government pledged an additional £1 billion with hiring subsidies up to £3,000 and expanded apprenticeships to support young jobseekers.