Mid-Market Businesses Could Ease Youth Unemployment Crisis

By the Editorial Team · Friday, July 31, 2026

BDO's research reveals that 83 percent of mid-market businesses plan to hire for entry-level roles within six months, with many offering permanent positions that do not require a university degree. This trend could significantly reduce youth unemployment by creating accessible job opportunities for young people without higher education, addressing ongoing challenges in the UK labour market.

Mid-market businesses are poised to play a significant role in addressing the youth unemployment challenge, according to recent findings from the advisory firm BDO. The research indicates that a substantial majority of these companies—83 percent—intend to hire for entry-level positions within the next six months.

Among these, 36 percent are planning to recruit for permanent roles that do not require a university degree, highlighting opportunities for young people without higher education qualifications. Additionally, 32 percent of mid-market firms are expected to take on recent graduates, offering pathways for those completing academic programs.

Richard Austin, a partner at BDO, emphasized the importance of the mid-market sector, noting its already considerable influence on the UK labour market. The sector’s hiring plans suggest it could be instrumental in providing employment options for young workers, a demographic that has faced persistent difficulties entering the workforce amid broader economic challenges.

Mid-market businesses, typically defined as companies with annual revenues between £25 million and £500 million, account for a sizable portion of private-sector employment in the United Kingdom. Their hiring initiatives may therefore contribute meaningfully to reducing youth unemployment rates by expanding accessible job opportunities.

The findings come amid ongoing concerns over youth employment across the country, where higher education credentials and skill mismatches often limit the availability of suitable roles for young job seekers. Entry-level positions that do not require degrees could help bridge this gap, providing on-the-job training and career progression for young people.

While larger firms and multinational corporations frequently receive attention for graduate recruitment, mid-market businesses’ hiring intentions underscore the importance of policy measures that support this segment. Facilitating connections between these firms and young workers may help unlock further employment potential in the coming months.

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