Next boss warns over ‘dramatic fall’ in UK entry-level jobs

Next typically received 10 applicants for every job in its shops two years ago, but that number has now risen to 19, said Lord Wolfson. Photograph: Christopher Thomond/The Guardian

The boss of Next has sounded the alarm about a “dramatic fall” in the number of entry-level jobs in the UK that is driving up youth unemployment, saying the retailer now receives twice as many applicants for each role than two years ago.

Lord Wolfson said the clothing and homeware chain, where he has been chief executive since 2001, typically received 10 applications for every job in its shops in 2024 but that number has now risen to 19.