The UK job market has seen significant change over the last few years. We’ve seen cuts in new hires, increased redundancies and more caution among businesses in the creative industries.

But new data from ManpowerGroup shows that employers are most interested in targeting new talent, specifically those under the age of 25. We’ve broken down some of the key parts from their latest report and what it means for our community. 

Youth in Focus

Across all sectors, including creative and communications, 45% of UK employers are actively seeking to engage workers under 25 years old. This trend is likely even more pronounced in creative fields, which often value fresh perspectives and digital native skills.

The top challenges in attracting and retaining younger talent in creative roles include:

1. Meeting expectations for work-life balance

2. Providing clear career advancement paths

3. Bridging skills gaps so they can perform their roles

To address these, creative and communications employers are adopting strategies to engage new workers including:

1. Formal leadership coaching & mentoring programmes (68%)

2. More clarity on internal career development options (67%)

3. Increasing investment on DE&I initiatives (64%)

From this data, it’s clear that young people are looking to take more control of their career paths, and the employers that will succeed at hiring and retaining this talent are ones that not only provide these opportunities, but build an internal culture that helps this develop.

The Talent Crisis

The Communications Services industry, which includes many creative roles, isn’t reported to be changing hiring pushes for the next part of the year. Despite this, 71% say they have challenges sourcing skilled talent.

This talent crisis isn’t a new trend, and highlights the importance of investing in young talent and training to upskill the creative workforce. 

How might AI Impact future role?

Whilst AI is a hotly debated topic around the future of work, with many in the creative industries worried about their jobs, data shows that employers are expected to increase their headcount due to AI, not reduce it. 

69% of employers in the communications industry expect to increase their headcount due to AI. This is important to note for key skills it’s important to focus on for young people, and making sure these tools and opportunities are accessible to everyone. 

If the above has sparked your interest in supporting staff, hiring younger talent, and investing in DE&I, get in touch, or read more about how we can work together here.