Thames Water Faces Backlash Over Refugee Careers Day Amid Youth Unemployment Concerns
Thames Water blasted by Reform over plans to host careers day for refugees just days after major debate about youth unemployment crisis

Image: Mail Online
Thames Water's upcoming 'Refugee Insight Day' has drawn criticism from Reform UK, highlighting concerns over youth unemployment in the UK. The event, aimed at providing career opportunities for refugees, comes shortly after a report indicating a rising crisis among young Britons who are NEET (not in education, employment, or training).
- 01Reform UK criticized Thames Water for prioritizing refugees for job opportunities while British youth face high unemployment.
- 02The 'Refugee Insight Day' is scheduled for Friday at Thames Water's Reading headquarters.
- 03A report by Alan Milburn revealed that nearly one in five young people in the UK are NEET, raising alarms about a potential moral crisis.
- 04Thames Water claims 85% of recruits for their 2026 apprenticeship scheme will be under 24, emphasizing their commitment to youth employment.
- 05Statistics show that for every British youth hired, 27 young workers from outside the EU have been employed.
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Thames Water has come under fire for hosting a 'Refugee Insight Day' aimed at providing career opportunities exclusively for refugees, just days after a report highlighted a growing youth unemployment crisis in the UK. Reform UK's shadow Home Secretary, Zia Yusuf, condemned the initiative, stating that while British youth struggle to find work, opportunities are being diverted to refugees. The report by former Cabinet minister Alan Milburn indicated that nearly one in five young people are not in education, employment, or training (NEET), marking a significant concern for the government. Thames Water, however, defended the event, asserting their commitment to improving job prospects for young people, with plans for 85% of their 2026 apprenticeship recruits to be under 24. They also noted their outreach programs aimed at underrepresented communities, including NEETs and care leavers. The controversy comes amid alarming statistics showing that employers have hired 27 young workers from outside the EU for every British youth employed, leading to fears that traditional entry-level roles for young Britons are being filled by migrants.
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The controversy surrounding Thames Water's event highlights the growing concern over youth unemployment in the UK, which could affect public sentiment and policy discussions.
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