{
  "id": 4999921,
  "title": "Reed CEO: Graduate jobs crisis is getting worse",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/02/reed-ceo-graduate-jobs-crisis-is-getting-worse",
  "topic": "business",
  "section": "Business",
  "published": "2026-09-02T03:06:00.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "City AM",
    "slug": "city-am",
    "url": "https://www.cityam.com/reed-ceo-graduate-jobs-crisis-is-getting-worse/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "James Reed, CEO of Reed.co.uk, believes the crisis of graduate job postings is worsening, with youth unemployment now a national crisis. In recent days, vacancy rates for young people have hit their lowest levels in five years, and over 16% of 16- to 24-year-olds are actively seeking work. More than a million young people are classified as \"NEETs\" - not in employment, education, or training.\n\nThe decline in graduate job postings has been drastic, falling from around 180,000 four years ago to 50,000 today. Adzuna recently reported an even steeper decline, with graduate opportunities down 85% since 2017. This downward trend is not improving, and policymakers must act to address the worsening situation.\n\nFirstly, policymakers should consider taxing robots and supporting humans in the face of AI's impact on jobs. It's unfair to burden young people with employment taxes while leaving artificial intelligence untouched. Secondly, policymakers must recognize that recent tax policies have made companies less inclined to hire. An increase in employers' National Insurance could be a tax on jobs, and burdensome new employment regulations should be reconsidered. Excluding temporary and agency work, often a stepping stone for young people, may also encourage more job creation.\n\nAlan Milburn's review, which highlights that one in seven NEETs has a university degree, is expected to be published after the autumn Budget. However, the upcoming budget may set the economic course for the new administration. With signs that Andy Burnham and John Healey understand the need to support business, there is hope that the situation will improve.\n\nIn a heartwarming anecdote, Reed shares a story about his late father, Sir Alec Reed, who launched the Reed business in 1960 with just £75. To honor his legacy, Reed is launching the All About Business Entrepreneurs Fund, which will support at least six young entrepreneurs with £20,000 each for the next six years. This initiative aims to help young people scale their businesses and overcome challenges.",
  "summary": "With graduate job postings continuing to plummet, youth unemployment should be treated as a national crisis, writes James Reed.",
  "key_points": [
    "Graduate job vacancies have plummeted to 50,000, down from 180,000 four years ago",
    "Over 16% of 16-24-year-olds are NEETs, not in employment, education, or training",
    "Reed CEO James Reed calls for tax policies that support hiring over penalizing AI impact"
  ],
  "editors_take": "The decline in graduate job postings and rising youth unemployment signals a national crisis that requires policymakers to reassess tax policies and regulations to encourage job creation and support young people.",
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}