Prime Minister Andy Burnham has urged employers to rely less on virtual interviews when recruiting staff, arguing that online platforms often fail to capture candidates’ personality, enthusiasm and potential.
Speaking on the Jimmy’s Jobs of the Future podcast, Burnham criticised the growing use of video interviews conducted through platforms such as Zoom and Microsoft Teams, saying they can disadvantage young job seekers trying to make a positive impression.
“One thing I really don’t like is this culture now of interviewing via Zoom or Teams, How does a young person shine in that situation?”
He questioned whether virtual interviews and technology-driven recruitment processes are making hiring fairer, suggesting they favour candidates who provide more rehearsed, formulaic responses over those whose strengths lie in personality, passion and communication.
Burnham’s comments come as the UK labour market remains challenging for young people. Official figures show that more than one million people aged 16 to 25 are not in education, employment or training, while job vacancies have fallen to a five-year low. At the same time, many employers are increasingly using artificial intelligence to screen applications before inviting candidates to interview.
According to LinkedIn, around 89% of UK recruiters plan to expand their use of AI in recruitment this year. Some young job seekers have told the BBC that applying for hundreds of vacancies without receiving responses has made the process feel “robotic and brutal.”
Burnham also proposed giving companies that provide six-week work placements for teenagers greater consideration when competing for government contracts. He said he wants to expand 45 day placements for students aged 16 to 18, allowing them to gain practical workplace experience and build valuable professional connections.
The prime minister further called on senior business leaders to offer mentoring and shadowing opportunities to young people who lack established professional networks.
His remarks follow the government’s announcement of plans to introduce new technical education pathways for 14 year olds. Under the proposals, students from Year 10 would combine core academic subjects, including English and mathematics, with vocational training linked to employment opportunities in their local areas.
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