The Vanishing First Job Survey

Thursday, 2 April, 2026

Dear young person,

Are you struggling to find a job? I'd like to hear your story.

On Thursday 4th June I'll be hosting an event in Parliament to hear directly from you about how difficult it's been to find a job.

Have you spent hours filling out applications, only to be rejected or to hear nothing back?

Maybe you went to uni, have a technical qualification or you’re straight out of school. Whatever your story, I want to hear from you.

Please fill out my survey and let me know if you'd like to come along.

Kind regards,

Helen Whately MP

Shadow Secretary of State for Work and Pensions

Helen Whately's MP Youth Unemployment Survey

Your Experience

What's your experience of applying for jobs?

e.g. have you faced rejections, been ignored, told you don't have enough experience?

Which barriers do you think are stopping you from getting a job?

Lack of experience

Not enough jobs available

Competition is too high

Health / personal reasons

Other:

Would you like to put yourself forward for my event in Parliament on Thursday 4th June?

Yes

Can I use your responses publicly?

Yes

Is there anything else you'd like to add?