Cornwall’s summer job market shrinks
The Cornish Summer Job: A Tradition Under Threat
By Jonathan Morris and Martha Dixon, BBC News, South West
As the summer season approaches, the traditional Cornish summer job for teenagers is facing challenges like never before. Recent figures from the Recruitment and Employment Confederation (REC) show a significant decline in hospitality job vacancies across the UK, with 22,369 fewer postings compared to the same period in 2024, marking a 25% year-on-year decrease.
Despite a surge in domestic tourism, with a 10% increase in UK day trips in April 2025, local businesses in Cornwall, heavily reliant on tourism, are feeling the strain. The employment rate for 16 to 24-year-olds in the county has also dipped, raising concerns about the future of youth employment in the region.
Ben Fellows, manager of Fistral Surf School in Newquay, expressed the difficulties in hiring young people, citing bureaucratic hurdles that make it challenging to employ 15-year-olds. As a result, the surf school now primarily hires individuals aged 16 and above, reflecting a broader trend of dwindling opportunities for local teens.
Lilie Sampson, a 26-year-old from Newquay, reminisced about her teenage years when she worked in various roles, including kebab shops and hotels, highlighting the importance of these early jobs in teaching her valuable skills and providing financial independence. Similarly, Cathi from Newquay began her first job at 14 washing hair in a local salon, underscoring the positive impact of early work experiences on young individuals.
However, industry leaders warn that rising costs, exacerbated by changes to employer National Insurance Contributions (NICs) introduced in the 2024 Budget, have led to £3.4 billion in additional annual costs for hospitality businesses, resulting in 84,000 job losses. Allen Simpson, chief executive of UKHospitality, expressed concerns about the dramatic decline in hiring for the summer season, signaling a potential demise of the traditional British summer job.
Neil Carberry, chief executive of the REC, echoed these sentiments, emphasizing the broader economic implications of the decline in job postings. He stressed the importance of supporting employers to maintain vibrant high streets and robust local economies.
In response to these challenges, a government spokesperson reaffirmed the commitment to supporting young people through initiatives such as the Youth Guarantee, which provides opportunities for individuals aged 18 to 21 to access further learning, job assistance, or apprenticeships.
As the future of the Cornish summer job hangs in the balance, stakeholders across the industry call for urgent action to preserve this longstanding tradition and ensure opportunities for young people in the region. The rise of technology in our daily lives has significantly changed the way we live, work, and interact with others. From the convenience of online shopping to the ability to connect with loved ones across the globe, technology has become an integral part of our society. With the rapid advancements in artificial intelligence, virtual reality, and the Internet of Things, the possibilities seem endless.
One of the most significant impacts of technology on our daily lives is the way we communicate. With the rise of social media platforms like Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram, we can easily connect with friends, family, and even strangers from all over the world. This has made it easier to stay in touch with loved ones, share important moments in our lives, and even find new friends with similar interests.
Technology has also revolutionized the way we work. With the rise of remote work and digital nomadism, more people are able to work from anywhere in the world as long as they have a stable internet connection. This has led to a more flexible work environment, allowing employees to have a better work-life balance and companies to save on office expenses.
Furthermore, technology has transformed the way we access information and entertainment. With the rise of streaming services like Netflix, Hulu, and Spotify, we can now watch our favorite movies, TV shows, and listen to music on demand. This has made it easier to consume content on the go and has disrupted traditional media industries.
In addition, technology has also impacted our daily routines. From smart home devices like Amazon’s Alexa and Google Home to wearable fitness trackers like Fitbit and Apple Watch, we have access to a wide range of tools that can help us live healthier and more efficient lives. These devices can track our exercise, monitor our sleep patterns, and even remind us to take our medication.
Despite all the benefits of technology in our daily lives, there are also some concerns. The rise of social media has led to issues like cyberbullying, online harassment, and the spread of fake news. Additionally, there are concerns about the impact of technology on our mental health, as we are constantly bombarded with notifications and information.
In conclusion, technology has undoubtedly changed the way we live our lives in many ways. From how we communicate and work to how we access information and entertainment, technology has become an integral part of our daily routines. While there are some concerns about the impact of technology on our society, it is clear that technology will continue to shape our lives in the future.
