Parts of Staffordshire are among the UK’s worst for entry-level job opportunities for young people, according to new research.
Newcastle-under-Lyme and South Staffordshire have around half the national average number of suitable vacancies relative to their young adult populations, the Institute for Public Policy Research found.
Newcastle recorded 57 suitable vacancies per 1,000 people aged 18 to 24, with South Staffordshire close behind on 58. Both were 47% below the UK average of approximately 109.
Staffordshire Moorlands had the county’s third-lowest rate, with 72 vacancies per 1,000 young adults. Neighbouring Stoke-on-Trent was also below average, at 101.
At the other end of the county’s table, Stafford recorded 191 vacancies per 1,000 young people, more than three times Newcastle’s rate. Tamworth followed with 188 and East Staffordshire with 185.
Cannock Chase, at 148, and Lichfield, at 144, also performed above the national average. Full IPPR figures.
Newcastle was specifically highlighted in coverage in the Guardian, but the full research includes all eight Staffordshire districts and Stoke-on-Trent.
IPPR analysed online job adverts between July 2025 and June 2026, focusing on occupations likely to offer entry-level opportunities. It compared average quarterly vacancies with the number of local residents aged 18 to 24.
Separate official figures show that 3.8% of Staffordshire’s 16- and 17-year-olds were recorded as not in education, employment or training, known as NEET, compared with 3.4% across England.
Stoke-on-Trent’s recorded rate was 2.9%. Those figures cover December 2025 to February 2026 and apply to a younger age group than the vacancy research.
IPPR is calling for a funded Work Start programme to create jobs in areas with too few entry-level opportunities, alongside reforms to apprenticeships and more personalised employment support.
Staffordshire Chambers of Commerce Deputy Chief Executive Chris Plant said: “The findings highlight the need to create more opportunities for young people across Staffordshire.
“Businesses have a great opportunity to play a part in shaping the future workforce and we would encourage them to work closely with local FE providers to help young people develop the skills and experience they need.”
