Do young adults in the UK not want to work?

twinketta

I am very fortunate in that I have a business that is relatively successful in the UK

This last few weeks I have been holding interviews to fill a position..the wage is only slightly above minimum wage, but, it is a little above.

I am looking to train this person up into a better skill.

I have not been looking for a rocket scientist or brain surgeon, just someone that would seem to have reliability and some work ethic.

5 people never bothered to turn up for the interviews...3 were late... 1 had the mother phone up to make an excuse.. a few people turned up wearing jeans....2 people actually told me they had to come for the interviews or they would lose their entitlement to social security benefits...

I was hoping to try to help someone from benefits into the workplace. Is it that young adults do not want to work?

tripledipped13

Well it is sad to say but this is not just a UK problem! The US is the same way!

patrickblo13

If they can prove they are actively looking (setting up interviews) they can continue to get benefits. I have the same problem....sad but true

twinketta

Well it is sad to say but this is not just a UK problem! The US is the same way!

It so makes me wonder why a young adult would not want to get into the workplace and have a steady wage coming in?

Glad you have the same problem and it isn`t just in the UK (not glad but you know what I mean)

TheSlorax

can I come work for you????


I have references from a Real Job in the states!

twinketta

If they can prove they are actively looking (setting up interviews) they can continue to get benefits. I have the same problem....sad but true

It is certainly a crazy way of entitling people to benefits.

I read an article about a TV program and there was a young guy with disabilities that had applied for lots of jobs and was so happy when he got a position in a place that sells tickets for shows, on the back of the program. He wanted nothing more than to work and make his own income.

jmc0806

just as bad here in the US, or they accept the job and just not show up anymore without even giving a notice they quit. It's rather pathetic

twinketta

can I come work for you????


I have references from a Real Job in the states!

Awww Hayley, if I could, I would. I am sure in CA you will find a great job and the weather there is so much nicer x

TheSlorax

can I come work for you????


I have references from a Real Job in the states!

Awww Hayley, if I could, I would. I am sure in CA you will find a great job and the weather there is so much nicer x

LOL, I am employed at a great job currently but I would love to live in the UK :-) grass is always greener!

Unknown

This content has been removed.

BeLightYear

It so makes me wonder why a young adult would not want to get into the workplace and have a steady wage coming in?

Glad you have the same problem and it isn`t just in the UK (not glad but you know what I mean)

Why should they work want to work when their parents are their steady income? Sad, lazy new generation!

rubixcyoob

I am very fortunate in that I have a business that is relatively successful in the UK

This last few weeks I have been holding interviews to fill a position..the wage is only slightly above minimum wage, but, it is a little above.

I am looking to train this person up into a better skill.

I have not been looking for a rocket scientist or brain surgeon, just someone that would seem to have reliability and some work ethic.

5 people never bothered to turn up for the interviews...3 were late... 1 had the mother phone up to make an excuse.. a few people turned up wearing jeans....2 people actually told me they had to come for the interviews or they would lose their entitlement to social security benefits...

I was hoping to try to help someone from benefits into the workplace. Is it that young adults do not want to work?

Firstly, that is a really rude and sweeping statement. Sure there are people who don't want to work, but they range from the age of entiltement to benefits through to state pension age - it is not purely a 'young person' problem.

Do you know why those 5 people didn't turn up? Personal problems, finding other work etc. It isn't always as clear cut as "they can't be bothered".
Did you ask why those 3 were late?
Did you just automatically assume that person's mother was making an excuse?
Did you wonder why those people couldn't afford to get proper interview clothes, or why they never had help in interview prepping?

Maybe the problem isn't those people, but yourself in not asking, or for outside factors not preparing them for such environments.

Plus, most unemployed 'young' people I know aren't looking for training - most of them already have qualifications from college or univerisity and want to do something in that field, something they will enjoy and will make them happy. Yes, it is easier to find work while in employment, but not a lot of people want to join a company and do something they won't enjoy in the hopes of finding something better.

lorigem

You might want to brush up on your literature about generational changes in the workplace. Gen Y is such a funny little generation - we get a kick out of them.

tcalamity

Im from the UK and this is the case for most but my two oldest daughters (17 and 18) both work but they have both had hard trouble getting a job. It took my 17 yr old 6 months and so many interviews to get a job but now has one and she also goes to college. My 18 yr old has had a weekend job for a year but has tried to find a full time job since Jan this year. She has finally got another job but its not full time they offered her a contract of 10 hours after that its overtime which to me is rubbish. she only gets about 3 shifts a week which isnt full time. So I guess there are two sides of the spectrum.

emmeylou

First off, I think their behaviour is horrible! If you aren't going to show you should at least call, same with being late!

But... I will say that I can understand the lack of enthusiasm for a job that pays just over minimum wage. I am not familiar with the UK, but here in the US I have experienced that working for "just over" minimum wage is significantly more difficult than asking the government for assistance. Also, is this a part time or full time position? When I worked for the "just over" wage it was part time. I had to work every weekend, normally in the evening and honestly? After taxes my check just was not worth it. It felt like I worked hard (because I have a work ethic and I wasn't lazy) and I still couldn't pay my bills or put food on the table or invest in my future.

I was lucky enough to secure a spot in a better paying position within the company, but honestly, if I was still in that position (I very well could be, I have only been there for a year) I would have quit by now. I think people underestimate sometimes, how tough it is mentally to do a simple job. I know, it sounds ridiculous. But in the back of your head you are saying "I am standing here putting things on a shelf to get a paycheck that wont put a dent in my bills when I could be at home doing the laundry or I could be spending time with my family or I could be doing something actually worth my time". Its exhausting!

CollieFit

2 people actually told me they had to come for the interviews or they would lose their entitlement to social security benefits...

I hope you've let the relevant office know. They can still cap their benefits if they're purposely jeopardising their chances for work by telling you they're not interested in employment and merely attended so they don't lose their JSA.

twinketta

can I come work for you????


I have references from a Real Job in the states!

Awww Hayley, if I could, I would. I am sure in CA you will find a great job and the weather there is so much nicer x

LOL, I am employed at a great job currently but I would love to live in the UK :-) grass is always greener!

I am sure the grass is greener there..you can always come here on a holiday...but make sure you visit some nice places ...and keep on working in your job..well done x

marekdds

I have had a similar problem when I seek help and I pay considerably above minimum wage. I have had illiterates show up late or not at all. I even had one show up in a tank top & shorts. This is for a dental office. On what planet is that appropriate?They want high wages and lots of benefits with no training at all, I will even train the right person. I could go on, but you get my drift. You have my sympathy, good luck in your search.

KANGOOJUMPS

no good help in CANADA either.

pixie_mills

You get people that would rather do nothing and live off benefits rather than get off their lazy bums and do something.

I am a young person who has just got my fist full time job...it sure as hell is tiring but it has taken me 5 years to be exactly where I want to be, so I'm not going to blow it by being lazy now!

I remember being interviewed once...I got told I didn't wear enough make up to the interview that's why I didn't get the job over the other girl...sure it was for a cosmetics counter...but i didn't want to go in CAKED for first impressions. I also got one that was very rude to me when I said I enjoyed watching Rugby. I hate interviews because I have had bad experiences in the past - but I wouldn't not give it my all.

sugafreak

Not all are the same, thankfully. My youngest son, who is 18, has just started university and is looking for a weekend job to supplement his student loan. He went to the student union, where he picked up lots of information on employers looking for employees in his region and is now in the process of applying to them.

He does want to work and has lots of drive and ambition, he's studying Maths for the next 3 years and says work experience, along with his degree, will hopefully be a huge help when it comes to finding a permanent full time job when he leaves university. I'm keeping my fingers crossed for him.

I do agree with you though that many young British adults do not want to work, I see that attitude first hand working in a school. Many are mollycoddled unfortunately!

CollieFit

Do you know why those 5 people didn't turn up? Personal problems, finding other work etc. It isn't always as clear cut as "they can't be bothered".
Did you ask why those 3 were late?

Christ alive..... It's not the employer's responsibility to run after those little darlings to see if someone stubbed their toe on the way?!?!

The 5 people didn't turn up failed to even ring to say they weren't going to make it. That's the most basic expectation you could have of someone. They all have mobiles. A simple phone call saying why you're not coming.

Why the should the employer have to ASK why you're late for an interview? If you have the audacity to be late for an interview, surely the first thing you need to do is apologise for your lateness and give an explanation?

TheSlorax

I am very fortunate in that I have a business that is relatively successful in the UK

This last few weeks I have been holding interviews to fill a position..the wage is only slightly above minimum wage, but, it is a little above.

I am looking to train this person up into a better skill.

I have not been looking for a rocket scientist or brain surgeon, just someone that would seem to have reliability and some work ethic.

5 people never bothered to turn up for the interviews...3 were late... 1 had the mother phone up to make an excuse.. a few people turned up wearing jeans....2 people actually told me they had to come for the interviews or they would lose their entitlement to social security benefits...

I was hoping to try to help someone from benefits into the workplace. Is it that young adults do not want to work?

Firstly, that is a really rude and sweeping statement. Sure there are people who don't want to work, but they range from the age of entiltement to benefits through to state pension age - it is not purely a 'young person' problem.

Do you know why those 5 people didn't turn up? Personal problems, finding other work etc. It isn't always as clear cut as "they can't be bothered".
Did you ask why those 3 were late?
Did you just automatically assume that person's mother was making an excuse?
Did you wonder why those people couldn't afford to get proper interview clothes, or why they never had help in interview prepping?

Maybe the problem isn't those people, but yourself in not asking, or for outside factors not preparing them for such environments.

Plus, most unemployed 'young' people I know aren't looking for training - most of them already have qualifications from college or univerisity and want to do something in that field, something they will enjoy and will make them happy. Yes, it is easier to find work while in employment, but not a lot of people want to join a company and do something they won't enjoy in the hopes of finding something better.

LOL. way to go. you have just epitomized everything that is wrong with our generation. blame everyone and take no responsibility for your actions.

twinketta

I am very fortunate in that I have a business that is relatively successful in the UK

This last few weeks I have been holding interviews to fill a position..the wage is only slightly above minimum wage, but, it is a little above.

I am looking to train this person up into a better skill.

I have not been looking for a rocket scientist or brain surgeon, just someone that would seem to have reliability and some work ethic.

5 people never bothered to turn up for the interviews...3 were late... 1 had the mother phone up to make an excuse.. a few people turned up wearing jeans....2 people actually told me they had to come for the interviews or they would lose their entitlement to social security benefits...

I was hoping to try to help someone from benefits into the workplace. Is it that young adults do not want to work?

Firstly, that is a really rude and sweeping statement. Sure there are people who don't want to work, but they range from the age of entiltement to benefits through to state pension age - it is not purely a 'young person' problem.

Do you know why those 5 people didn't turn up? Personal problems, finding other work etc. It isn't always as clear cut as "they can't be bothered".
Did you ask why those 3 were late?
Did you just automatically assume that person's mother was making an excuse?
Did you wonder why those people couldn't afford to get proper interview clothes, or why they never had help in interview prepping?

Maybe the problem isn't those people, but yourself in not asking, or for outside factors not preparing them for such environments.

Plus, most unemployed 'young' people I know aren't looking for training - most of them already have qualifications from college or univerisity and want to do something in that field, something they will enjoy and will make them happy. Yes, it is easier to find work while in employment, but not a lot of people want to join a company and do something they won't enjoy in the hopes of finding something better.

I understand your reasoning, but to be fair, it is not my place to ask the questions you have answered with.

If a young person wants a job and to get off a life of benefits there are advisers at job centres where they go to look for jobs. They can go on courses to help with CV`s and form filling. They can get help with practice interviews.

If you see a position advertised for a job opening then you prepare.

If there is a genuine reason why you can not attend the interview then it is common courtesy that you would phone the company and explain the reason why and ask to re arrange the interview.

If you have other qualifications then come along to the interview and see if we can expand on your training.

CollieFit

I am very fortunate in that I have a business that is relatively successful in the UK

This last few weeks I have been holding interviews to fill a position..the wage is only slightly above minimum wage, but, it is a little above.

I am looking to train this person up into a better skill.

I have not been looking for a rocket scientist or brain surgeon, just someone that would seem to have reliability and some work ethic.

5 people never bothered to turn up for the interviews...3 were late... 1 had the mother phone up to make an excuse.. a few people turned up wearing jeans....2 people actually told me they had to come for the interviews or they would lose their entitlement to social security benefits...

I was hoping to try to help someone from benefits into the workplace. Is it that young adults do not want to work?

Firstly, that is a really rude and sweeping statement. Sure there are people who don't want to work, but they range from the age of entiltement to benefits through to state pension age - it is not purely a 'young person' problem.

Do you know why those 5 people didn't turn up? Personal problems, finding other work etc. It isn't always as clear cut as "they can't be bothered".
Did you ask why those 3 were late?
Did you just automatically assume that person's mother was making an excuse?
Did you wonder why those people couldn't afford to get proper interview clothes, or why they never had help in interview prepping?

Maybe the problem isn't those people, but yourself in not asking, or for outside factors not preparing them for such environments.

Plus, most unemployed 'young' people I know aren't looking for training - most of them already have qualifications from college or univerisity and want to do something in that field, something they will enjoy and will make them happy. Yes, it is easier to find work while in employment, but not a lot of people want to join a company and do something they won't enjoy in the hopes of finding something better.

LOL. way to go. you have just epitomized everything that is wrong with our generation. blame everyone and take no responsibility for your actions.

...and can't spell University...

lucan07

Until someone in authority has the guts to stand up to the Eurocrats and remove peoples human right to stay on benefits for life we are in trouble. A simple answer would be sign on at least three times a week for benefits and randomly on two of those days they will be allocated work, picking litter, deep cleaning hospitals, gardening for those unable. The choice of doing a few hours work to get the benefits would interfere with the black economy earnings and the easy/lazy lifestyle option removed, the choice to work would be easier for most of them.

twinketta

You get people that would rather do nothing and live off benefits rather than get off their lazy bums and do something.

I am a young person who has just got my fist full time job...it sure as hell is tiring but it has taken me 5 years to be exactly where I want to be, so I'm not going to blow it by being lazy now!

I remember being interviewed once...I got told I didn't wear enough make up to the interview that's why I didn't get the job over the other girl...sure it was for a cosmetics counter...but i didn't want to go in CAKED for first impressions. I also got one that was very rude to me when I said I enjoyed watching Rugby. I hate interviews because I have had bad experiences in the past - but I wouldn't not give it my all.

Good for you x

Interviews are hell on earth for everyone trying to put yourself over as the best person for the job...glad you got the position x

rubixcyoob

I am very fortunate in that I have a business that is relatively successful in the UK

This last few weeks I have been holding interviews to fill a position..the wage is only slightly above minimum wage, but, it is a little above.

I am looking to train this person up into a better skill.

I have not been looking for a rocket scientist or brain surgeon, just someone that would seem to have reliability and some work ethic.

5 people never bothered to turn up for the interviews...3 were late... 1 had the mother phone up to make an excuse.. a few people turned up wearing jeans....2 people actually told me they had to come for the interviews or they would lose their entitlement to social security benefits...

I was hoping to try to help someone from benefits into the workplace. Is it that young adults do not want to work?

Firstly, that is a really rude and sweeping statement. Sure there are people who don't want to work, but they range from the age of entiltement to benefits through to state pension age - it is not purely a 'young person' problem.

Do you know why those 5 people didn't turn up? Personal problems, finding other work etc. It isn't always as clear cut as "they can't be bothered".
Did you ask why those 3 were late?
Did you just automatically assume that person's mother was making an excuse?
Did you wonder why those people couldn't afford to get proper interview clothes, or why they never had help in interview prepping?

Maybe the problem isn't those people, but yourself in not asking, or for outside factors not preparing them for such environments.

Plus, most unemployed 'young' people I know aren't looking for training - most of them already have qualifications from college or univerisity and want to do something in that field, something they will enjoy and will make them happy. Yes, it is easier to find work while in employment, but not a lot of people want to join a company and do something they won't enjoy in the hopes of finding something better.

LOL. way to go. you have just epitomized everything that is wrong with our generation. blame everyone and take no responsibility for your actions.

Actually, since I turned 16 I have only been 'unemployed' for three months on maternity.
I have never received benefits.
I am currently working.
I have unertaken lots of training to ensure I have widened my employment possibilities - call centre work, bar training, lifeguarding courses etc.
I have applied for over 60 jobs since graduation in June and had 2 interviews.


It's not always as clear cut as "young people can't be bothered".

rubixcyoob

Do you know why those 5 people didn't turn up? Personal problems, finding other work etc. It isn't always as clear cut as "they can't be bothered".
Did you ask why those 3 were late?

Christ alive..... It's not the employer's responsibility to run after those little darlings to see if someone stubbed their toe on the way?!?!

The 5 people didn't turn up failed to even ring to say they weren't going to make it. That's the most basic expectation you could have of someone. They all have mobiles. A simple phone call saying why you're not coming.

Why the should the employer have to ASK why you're late for an interview? If you have the audacity to be late for an interview, surely the first thing you need to do is apologise for your lateness and give an explanation?

If you read what he said he never actually said whether they did or didn't contact him, whether they did or didn't apologise/explain lateness just that 5 people never showed and 3 were late.

I am merely stating that it isn't always as clear cut as "young people are lazy and don't want to work" - it's rude, it's sweeping and from my own experiences it is wrong. Every single person I know aged 17/18-mid twenties either works, or is actively trying their hardest to look for work and is not on benefits.

Amanojaku

First off, I think their behaviour is horrible! If you aren't going to show you should at least call, same with being late!

But... I will say that I can understand the lack of enthusiasm for a job that pays just over minimum wage. I am not familiar with the UK, but here in the US I have experienced that working for "just over" minimum wage is significantly more difficult than asking the government for assistance. Also, is this a part time or full time position? When I worked for the "just over" wage it was part time. I had to work every weekend, normally in the evening and honestly? After taxes my check just was not worth it. It felt like I worked hard (because I have a work ethic and I wasn't lazy) and I still couldn't pay my bills or put food on the table or invest in my future.

I was lucky enough to secure a spot in a better paying position within the company, but honestly, if I was still in that position (I very well could be, I have only been there for a year) I would have quit by now. I think people underestimate sometimes, how tough it is mentally to do a simple job. I know, it sounds ridiculous. But in the back of your head you are saying "I am standing here putting things on a shelf to get a paycheck that wont put a dent in my bills when I could be at home doing the laundry or I could be spending time with my family or I could be doing something actually worth my time". Its exhausting!

You are pretty close to what is happening. It doesn't matter what job you are working, what you are paying for is a person's time. Everything in human nature is risk vs reward. It is easier to work the system almost needed to in order to maintain some happiness in peoples lives. We don't want jobs we need security (food, water, ariable land, shelter, health, retirement, entertainment).

The current society structure has increasingly widened the diversity gap of money between rich and poor. This means our minimum wage is not enough to provide for the securities we need, when min is raised it is just spyhoned from the poor to the rich again making it useless since it is not enforced properly. Just another form of slavery in my opinion. If you take away the programs that provide food, and money for unemployment then you have a depression, millions of people on the streets homeless, crime essentialy do you want to live in a nation like india?

The government never seems to adress and fix the actual problems humans need, they have been long since been bought and corrupted by money, corporations it is a small club and we are not apart of it. This is why as people I ask that everyone look into the venus project. Go on youtube and watch any/all talks by Jacque Fresco and his venus project to have a better understanding of what life can be and it is achievable only if we work together.

thevenusproject.com

MsPudding

Do you know why those 5 people didn't turn up? Personal problems, finding other work etc. It isn't always as clear cut as "they can't be bothered".
Did you ask why those 3 were late?

It doesn't matter why someone wasn't able to go or was late, the issue is that they didn't bother notifying the company! Seriously, if you want the job, how bloody hard is it to pick up the phone and say you have an emergency situation?? After all, you do that and the company may well reschedule the interview....but not notifying them is bloody ignorant. As for being late, the onus is on the person who's tardy to explain why they weren't there on time and not on the employer to question them!

Did you wonder why those people couldn't afford to get proper interview clothes, or why they never had help in interview prepping?

Maybe the problem isn't those people, but yourself in not asking, or for outside factors not preparing them for such environments.

Seriously?? No help in prepping for interviews and don't have the initiative to sort out some smart clothes? Sorry, but to my ear you're currently being the voice of the spoon-fed few..."Wahh wahh wahh there's nobody to do it all for me and it's all so difficult...wahh wahh"

Plus, most unemployed 'young' people I know aren't looking for training - most of them already have qualifications from college or univerisity and want to do something in that field, something they will enjoy and will make them happy.

Some young people come clutching their degree in Media Studies or something equally dumb from McDuff University and expect to walk straight into a well-paid job simply because they have a degree. The last 2 graduates I interviewed were horrendous; the first had the levels of spelling and grammar I'd expect from a 12yr old and peppered every sentence with "Umm" and "Like" and the second left when I said there'd be a short test on written English skills, saying the whole thing was "too stressful."