UK Summer Hiring Drops Sharply as Employers Cut Entry-Level Openings

British employers are advertising significantly fewer summer jobs this year, according to new figures from recruitment platform Indeed, highlighting continued difficulties for young people seeking their first work opportunities.

Data from Indeed shows that summer job vacancies have fallen by 31% compared with the same period in 2025. The decline is notably steeper than the broader jobs market, where overall vacancies were down 11% year over year in Indeed's data through May 22. Official statistics also reported a 7% decline in vacancies during the three months ending in April.

Indeed Hiring Lab senior economist Jack Kennedy said employers are operating in a challenging environment and have reduced hiring activity, particularly for junior positions.

The number of summer job listings has also dropped 71% from the peak reached in 2023. Teaching-related summer roles, including positions at English-language schools, tutoring programs, and sports camps, recorded the largest declines. Hospitality-related vacancies experienced a smaller reduction.

Indeed's analysis focused on roles containing the word "summer" in the job title and excluded internships and similar placements.

Separate data released earlier by the Recruitment and Employment Confederation indicated an increase in temporary hiring as employers remained cautious amid uncertainty linked to the conflict involving Iran.

More than one million people aged 16 to 24 in the UK are currently not in employment, education, or training. A government report has warned that the proportion could increase further. Businesses have pointed to a reduced gap between minimum wages for younger workers and older employees as a factor affecting hiring decisions, although economists say the evidence remains mixed.