New report calls for urgent action to tackle youth employment: a “perfect storm” in Birmingham
July 2026
The Rigby Foundation, chaired by Steve Rigby, has published Inspiring Futures: Improving Employment Outcomes for Young People in Birmingham, a major new report commissioned alongside The Sir Peter Rigby Charitable Trust and produced by City-REDI at the University of Birmingham.
The research identifies a perfect storm of economic change, declining entry-level opportunities, reduced access to work experience, rapidly evolving employer expectations and the growing impact of artificial intelligence on the labour market. Together, these factors have contributed to a dramatic decline in starter jobs, with the number of opportunities available to young people falling by 49% over the past decade.
Drawing on extensive research with regional employers, educators, young people and policymakers, the report proposes four areas for action:
Transforming access to high-quality work experience;
Building AI readiness;
Strengthening employer engagement and promoting local opportunities;
Delivering more effective careers guidance.
The Foundation has committed to supporting Birmingham City Council and the West Midlands Combined Authority on the implementation of the recommendations including investment in the proposed Birmingham Work Experience Passport.
The Rigby family are grateful to the City-REDI research team and all those who contributed their expertise and insights. In particular, the Advisory Group members from across business, education, government, the voluntary sector and youth employment organisations, whose guidance was invaluable. We also thank the schools, employers, young people and other stakeholders who took part in interviews, surveys, focus groups and the call for evidence, helping to shape the findings and recommendations presented.
You can download a copy of the full report here https://www.rigbyfoundation.org.uk/inspiring-futures-report-2026/