Wondering what’s shaping the job market right now? We break down the top five stories you need to know this month, plus what they mean for businesses, recruiters, and job seekers alike.
As we approach Summer, June’s job market remains unpredictable and unsteady for many job seekers and employers. Various economic and political issues around the world have affected the UK job market significantly, especially for young people joining the workforce.
Alongside this, however, are some stories of growth and development, from new training schemes to new job opportunities on the horizon, to proposed changes to carers’ leave.
UK Government launches AI bootcamps to tackle youth unemployment
A series of new measures has been announced to address rising youth unemployment and concerns about AI’s impact on entry-level jobs. The plans centre around the creation of the Early Careers Jobs Alliance, which will investigate how AI is reshaping early-career roles and employment progression.
Also included in the plans is a pilot AI bootcamp programme in Lancashire and Greater Manchester, aimed at offering workplace and AI training to young people following their GCSEs.
A separate pilot scheme is also planned for the North East, in early 2027, for young people currently out of work. It will include at least 6 months of training with organisations such as Sage and Microsoft.
M&S launches new leadership training scheme
M&S has announced a new training scheme for young people across the UK and Ireland, with the potential to create 1,000 training places. M&S colleagues and external candidates can apply for the scheme, and will receive 6 months of training, including practical retail management skills, confidence-building, and hands-on experience in store.
Successful participants of the scheme will then be offered the opportunity to move on to further Store Manager training.
New Amazon warehouse opens in Northampton
Amazon’s new fulfilment centre in Northampton is now operational and set to create 2,000 additional jobs at the site by December 2026. New roles will cover a range of sectors, including engineers, HR and IT professionals, finance specialists, and operations team members.
Amazon has also announced plans for another facility in Kettering later this year, creating another 2,000 jobs once operational.
Strong hiring intentions expected in third quarter
New reports from the ManpowerGroup Employment Outlook Survey have suggested an increase in hiring intentions from employers in the third quarter of 2026. 49% of the employers said they intend to increase staff over the next 3-4 months.
In comparison, 12% anticipate cuts and 35% anticipate no change. Additionally, 47% of employers are expecting to hire for entry-level roles, which will be a big positive for young people entering the job market.
The figures come at a welcome time for the UK, considering the uncertainty of the economy and job market so far this year.
Recruitment bonus offered to nursery teachers in deprived areas
The Department for Education has launched a new plan to encourage recruitment in early years education. Nursery teachers based in areas of England considered to be deprived and experiencing significant teacher shortages can apply for £4,500 cash bonuses. The incentive is open to those with qualified teacher status, early years teacher status or early years professional status.
The plan is to be offered in ten areas to start: Sandwell, Middlesbrough, Tameside, Rochdale, Bolton, Hartlepool, Rotherham, Dudley, Luton, and Barking and Dagenham. Additional areas will be added later this year.
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