Imagine losing your chance at a dream career. That's the impact of Anti-DEI Policies on UK Youth right now. Policies originating in the US under the Trump Administration are now quietly undermining opportunities for young people in the UK.
UK youth opportunities: The stark reality
Office for National Statistics data shows that the number of young people aged 16 to 24 years not in education, employment or training (NEET) is currently estimated to be 987,000, up from 877,000 in October to December 2023.
According to new research by UCL, graduates from low socio-economic backgrounds are 32% less likely to receive a job offer than those from more wealthy backgrounds. Black applicants and Asian applicants are 45% and 29% respectively less likely to receive an offer than white applicants.
In this blog, our CEO & Founder, Leila Thomas argues that these anti-DEI policies risk dismantling progress in social mobility and ethnic diversity, creating fewer opportunities for underrepresented students.
The chilling Trump effect: What Urban Synergy is witnessing
As a charity we are hearing back from our young people of withdrawn job and educational offers, and we know some firms are pausing to reassess their diversity strategy because of external pressures.
This is not just about corporate box-ticking or so-called ‘woke’ culture. Every time a company steps back from or pauses DEI, a young person loses access to mentorship, to opportunities, to a future they deserve. Abstract US presidential policies, detached from real world problems, are harming futures in the UK and far beyond.
How Anti-DEI policies are unravelling progress
We believe that progress on social mobility, ethnic and gender diversity is compromised in three key areas and is harming young people in the UK:
Fewer opportunities: The impact of Anti-DEI on UK youth careers
Companies pulling back on Diversity, Equity & Inclusion (DEI) initiatives are not just changing boardroom numbers—they risk jeopardising internships, mentoring schemes, and access to careers for young people from disadvantaged backgrounds.
Potential impact on inclusion, wellbeing and potentially mental health
Without DEI policies, work environments become less welcoming. Young people from minority backgrounds face increased mental health challenges and fewer safe spaces to thrive.
Why Anti-DEI policies weaken the UK's future workforce
When DEI commitments are cancelled, the UK risks building a workforce unprepared for a globally diverse economy, limiting competitiveness and innovation. And, this might also lead to more lawsuits.
Why the EY Parker Review goals are at risk
Anti-DEI policies undermine the EY Parker Review’s goal to improve ethnic minority representation in UK leadership roles*. The message sent is clear—diversity is optional, and inclusion is no longer a priority.
A call to action
Urban Synergy urges business leaders and educators to protect the future of young talent. We must not let political agendas derail decades of progress. It’s time to stand up for equal opportunity and inclusive growth.
If you would like to contact Urban Synergy, please use the Contact Us page to send us a message.
