Faheem Khan, Founder and CEO of Future Leaders UK, sits at the intersection of youth opportunity, policy, and real-world employment pathways. Working closely with young people from disadvantaged backgrounds, he has built initiatives that connect education to meaningful careers and bring youth voice into spaces where decisions are made.
In an interview with Asian Voice, he explores the growing challenges facing young people in the UK today—from rising NEET figures and barriers to stable employment, to widening inequalities and a sense of political disengagement.
How difficult is it for young people in the UK, especially from disadvantaged backgrounds, to find stable employment today?
For disadvantaged young people, stable employment is becoming structurally out of reach. Latest data shows that around 957,000 young people aged 16 to 24 in the UK are not in education, employment or training, roughly one in eight. This is one of the highest levels seen in over a decade and reflects a system under significant strain. A significant proportion of these are from disadvantaged backgrounds.
This is about unequal access to opportunity, networks, and experience. Entry routes into stable employment increasingly require prior exposure that many young people simply do not have.
To what extent do you think young people feel represented in UK politics and policymaking today?
There is a growing disconnect between young people and the systems that are meant to represent them. Many do not see their lived experiences reflected in political decision-making, particularly those from marginalised communities.
Representation is not just about visibility. It is about influence. Too often, youth voice is invited at the point of consultation rather than embedded in the design of policy itself. This leads to tokenistic engagement rather than meaningful participation.
As a result, many young people feel that politics happens to them rather than with them. This disengagement is a rational response to systems that have not consistently delivered for them. If we are serious about rebuilding trust, we need to move from listening exercises to shared decision-making, where young people shape the policies that directly affect their futures.
Are current political systems and institutions doing enough to address youth unemployment and socio-economic inequality?
There has been progress, but it is not yet at the scale or coordination required to address the depth of the challenge. With close to one million young people currently NEET, the urgency is clear.
Recent initiatives such as the Youth Guarantee signal positive intent. However, too many interventions remain short-term, fragmented, and disconnected from the realities young people face, particularly those from disadvantaged backgrounds.
We continue to see a focus on participation rather than long-term outcomes, such as sustained employment and progression. What is needed is a more joined-up approach that connects education, employers, and community organisations.
This is where organisations like Future Leaders UK play a critical role, working alongside government and employers to translate policy into real pathways that prepare young people for the world of work and long-term success.
How do issues like the cost of living and economic instability influence both employment prospects and political participation among young people?
The cost of living crisis is reshaping both the decisions young people make and the opportunities available to them. Many are being forced to prioritise immediate income over long term development, taking roles that do not align with their aspirations simply to stay afloat. For instance, we know that a large proportion of graduates are working in fields unrelated to their chosen degree.
This has a direct impact on social mobility. When young people cannot afford to take unpaid opportunities, internships, or lower-paid entry routes, entire sectors become inaccessible.
Economic pressure also affects wider social dynamics. When individuals feel their basic needs are not being met, frustration can grow, contributing to reduced community cohesion and increased polarisation. At the same time, financial strain limits capacity for political engagement. When focus shifts to day to day survival, participation in civic processes becomes less accessible, particularly for those already underrepresented.
What policy changes or support systems do you believe could improve both job opportunities and political inclusion for young people?
We need a shift from short-term programmes to long-term, outcome-driven investment in young people. This should include end-to-end support, from early exposure through to employment and progression.
Evidence from the government-funded Careers & Enterprise Company shows that young people who have four or more meaningful encounters with employers are significantly less likely to become NEET. This is why at Future Leaders UK, we focus on connecting marginalised young people with employers. The exposure young people gain today shapes the opportunities they can access tomorrow.
Alongside this, we need a political system that feels accessible, credible, and representative. Young people must see themselves reflected in decision-making, with clear pathways to engage, influence, and shape the policies that affect their futures.
