MORE than nine in 10 young workers have experienced negative treatment at work – because of their age, a study has found.
A study of 3,000 16-25-year-olds found harmful stereotypes and negative treatment are causing young employees to feel anxious and low in confidence.
New statistics on the UK labour market show that the unemployment rate for people aged 16 years and over was estimated at 4.3 per cent in August to October 2024
Some of the top issues faced in the workplace include being undervalued (81 per cent) and patronised (78 per cent)
With 26 per cent going as far as to say it left them feeling that they didn’t want to work at all.
Some of the top issues faced in the workplace include being undervalued (81 per cent) and patronised (78 per cent).
While 69 per cent feel they have lost out on a promotion and 75 per cent have been outright rejected from a job, on the basis of their age.
And 49 per cent feel they can’t progress in their career.
It also emerged nearly a tenth (nine per cent) of the 500 employers who were also polled admitted to rejecting a young person for work due to their age.
This comes as new statistics on the UK labour market show that the unemployment rate for people aged 16 years and over was estimated at 4.3 per cent in August to October 2024, rising from the last quarter and year-on-year.
The study was commissioned by UK Youth and KFC UK&I, which has introduced a series of initiatives to break down barriers for young people, including a new Youth Advisory Board, a review of hiring practises, and a CV and career mentoring pilot.
Meghan Farren, UK general manager at KFC, said: “Our research shows that young people are being undervalued and overlooked, with unfair stereotypes putting them at a disadvantage in the workplace.
“And with so many young people facing greater challenges than ever before, it’s turning more away from the workforce for good.
“With 65 per cent of our workforce under the age of 25, I see the positive impact that young people make to my business every day.
“If the Government and businesses are serious about unlocking growth for the economy, then recognising young people’s potential and helping them get into and stay in work will be critical.”
The study also found 18 per cent of young workers have been called overly sensitive, while the same percentage has been labelled lazy or work-shy.
Unreliable (12 per cent), entitled (11 per cent) and self-obsessed (11 per cent) are among the other terms that have been said to Gen Z employees.
But those who have experienced a negative issue in work that they believe was down to their age have been left feeling anxious (31 per cent), with others claiming it impacted their self-confidence (28 per cent) and self-esteem (27 per cent).
More than one in five also felt it affected their mental health (23 per cent) or left them feeling sad or depressed (23 per cent).
Despite perpetuating harmful stereotypes about young people, employers are aware of the toll they can take, with 38 per cent admitting these pre-conceptions are unfair, while 51 per cent recognise the impact on young people’s mental health.
And 36 per cent are aware the language used in their hiring process isn’t inclusive or accessible for young people.
As a result, 85 per cent feel they have a responsibility to help young people into the workforce.
Lamin Tarawally, Youth Beyond Borders Youth lead and chair of KFC Youth Advisory Board, said: “Young people today bring immense potential and fresh perspectives, yet age discrimination remains a significant barrier to employment.
“Through this initiative, we aim to foster a workplace culture that not only welcomes young voices but actively seeks to learn from them.
“This is a powerful opportunity to reframe how businesses engage with the next generation, setting a precedent for authentic inclusion”.
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