Young job hunters punished for lack of connections

Nepotism is damaging young people’s career prospects according to a study from charity UK Youth and food giant KFC, which revealed that nearly two-thirds (61%) of 16-25 year-olds find it difficult to get a job without a “way in”, while 54% feel anxious about being left behind in the jobs market.

More than half of employers admitted they are more likely to hire someone recommended by a colleague, friend or family member, 32% said it was hard for a candidate to get a job without a connection, and a quarter said they were more likely to hire someone who went to the same university as them, rising to 34% if they were from a similar background.

The study found that 28% of employers had turned someone down because of the way they speak and 25% rejected an applicant because of the way they looked.