Five Gen Z politicians in Essex debate education and employment issues

5 articles · Updated · BBC.com · Apr 26

In a BBC Essex radio debate, five politicians under 25 discussed youth unemployment, apprenticeships, and education ahead of the 7 May local elections, with four standing as candidates.
Labour, Conservative, Liberal Democrat, Reform UK, and Green Party representatives proposed solutions such as boosting apprenticeships, upskilling, employer incentives, and increased NHS funding to address nearly one million unemployed UK youths.
The debate highlighted differing party approaches, with candidates emphasizing practical experience, social care, and fair wages, aiming to engage young voters and influence policy on employment and education in Essex.

Is the UK's education system, not the economy, failing young jobseekers?

Why can't qualified youth get NHS jobs despite tax hikes for its funding?

Politicians blame each other, but who is truly responsible for the youth unemployment crisis?

With councils being abolished, are these youth employment promises just empty gestures?

As Greens and Reform UK surge, is the two-party system collapsing for Gen Z?

Are apprenticeships a real solution when AI is eliminating entry-level jobs?