Thames Water Under Fire for Refugee-Only Jobs Day Amidst British Youth Unemployment Crisis

Thames Water is facing heavy criticism after announcing an “exclusive insight day” for refugees, offering direct networking with hiring teams, just as a major report highlights a “moral crisis” of skyrocketing youth unemployment among British citizens.

British Workers “Pushed to the Back of the Queue”

The water giant’s “Refugee Insight Day” is scheduled for Friday at its Reading headquarters, promising lessons into the business and opportunities to “ask questions about roles, skills and future opportunities,” according to the Daily Mail. This event includes direct networking with hiring teams, specifically targeting refugees.

Reform UK has condemned Thames Water’s decision, especially given a recent debate in Westminster about the growing youth unemployment crisis. A report by former Cabinet minister Alan Milburn warned last week that the number of young people not in education, employment, or training (NEETs) is becoming a “moral crisis” for Britain.

Zia Yusuf, Reform UK’s Shadow Home Secretary, told the Daily Mail that “British workers are being pushed to the back of the queue and denied opportunities in their own country.” Yusuf stated that “Young Brits should be first in line for jobs, training and opportunities in their own country. Only Reform UK will put British workers first and give young people the future they deserve.”

Employers “Living on Easy Street”

Thames Water, meanwhile, insisted to the Daily Mail that it is equally focused on providing opportunities for young people, stating that 85 per cent of recruits for their 2026 apprenticeship scheme are under 24. A spokesman said the refugee event is “just one of the ways we are creating careers and building a skilled workforce.”

The company also highlighted “targeted outreach and engagement programmes for underrepresented and disadvantaged communities, including NEETs, prison leavers, those experiencing homelessness and care leavers.” However, the job listing for the insight day specifically stated they are “proud to champion inclusion” and would “love to hear” from refugees interested in careers.

This comes as new figures from the Centre for Social Justice think tank, reported by the Daily Mail, reveal employers have hired 27 young workers from outside the EU for every British worker taken on. HMRC figures show non-EU or UK nationals under 25 in employment rose by 289,400 since January 2020, while employment of young Britons rose by just 10,800. Alan Milburn accused British employers of “living on easy street” by importing cheap migrant labour.

What This Means for Britain

This situation directly impacts the job prospects of young British citizens, who are struggling to find entry-level positions in their own country.

The focus on specific groups by major companies like Thames Water raises serious questions about whether British workers are being prioritised for jobs and training.

For your family, this means fewer opportunities for your children and grandchildren to get a foot on the career ladder, potentially leading to long-term economic insecurity.

The increasing reliance on foreign labour, as highlighted by Alan Milburn’s report, suggests a systemic issue where British talent is being overlooked.

This further fuels the belief that the system is rigged against ordinary hard-working Britons, who feel their concerns are ignored by large corporations and the political establishment.

The government’s failure to address the youth unemployment crisis while companies openly recruit from abroad puts pressure on public services and the national economy.

Share if you believe British workers should be first in line for jobs in their own country.

This article is a factual summary of reporting by The Daily Mail. Full original story available on their website. All quotes directly attributed.

Source: Daily Mail | Breaking Brexit News