Thames Water is facing backlash for hosting a careers day exclusively for refugees while the UK grapples with a rising youth unemployment crisis.

The 'Refugee Insight Day' is scheduled for Friday at the company's headquarters in Reading, offering participants an exclusive look at various business areas, a chance to ask about roles and skills, and networking opportunities with hiring teams.

The 85% youth recruitment pledge

Thames Water emphasized its commitment to young people, noting that 85% of recruits for its 2026 apprenticeship scheme are under 24.

The company explained that the refugee-focused event is part of a broader outreach strategy targeting underrepresented and disadvantaged groups, including NEETs, prison leavers,the homeless, and care leavers.

A spokesperson stated, 'We are committed to improving workforce diversity, so it reflects the communities we serve, and we are strengthening skills pipelines through local communities and the education sector to create long-term employment and learning opportunities.'

A backdrop of alarming data

A recent report by Alan Milburn and the Centre for Social Justice think tank revealed that employers hired 27 young workers from outside the EU for every British youngster taken on.

HMRC figures show a stark disparity: employment of non-EU or UK nationals under 25 rose by 289,400 since January 2020, while employment of young Brits increased by only 10,800.

The think tank highlighted that 'starter roles' traditionally filled by young Brits are increasingly being occupied by migrants.

Who is the unnamed buyer?

The controversy unfolds against a backdrop of alarming data, with critics acusing Thames Water of sidelining young British job seekers amid a growing employment crisis.

Reform UK argues that the event sidelines young British job seekers, with Zia Yusuf, the party's shadow Home Secretary, stating, 'While Britain is sleepwalking into a youth unemployment crisis, with nearly one in five young people on track to be without work, Thames Water has decided to offer career opportunities exclusively to refugees.'

Young Brits should be first in line for jobs, training and opportunities in their own country.