Councils face talent crisis as Gen Z talent pipeline dries up, data finds

Councils are facing a talent crisis as the pipeline of Gen Z candidates dries up, according to findings from Commercial Services Group. 

Only 5% of the local authority workforce is under 25, which is half the national average. 

Research from Commercial Services Group showed more than 80% of Gen Z respondents aged 18 to 25 said they are unaware of jobs in local Government. 

Senior council leaders at a roundtable earlier this year said the local Government “must modernise” to tackle the talent bottleneck. 

Changes to recruitment, working practices, and more awareness of career and training opportunities were flagged as possible solutions.

Helen Lock (pictured), managing director of recruitment managed services, Commercial Services Group, said: “We know the jobs market is becoming tougher for young people, with graduate opportunities declining nationally. 

“The number of graduate roles advertised is down 33% compared to 2024, and at the lowest level in seven years. 

“Councils are perfectly placed to step in and offer early career routes that combine progression with community impact, something that matters enormously to young talent today.”

Lock added: “By simplifying the application process, and promoting flexibility, councils can build a pipeline of young talent to help protect our most precious public services of the future.”

Only one in five survey respondents said they know someone working in local Government. 

Complicated application forms (31.6%) and too many interview stages (34.4%) were listed as main deterrents. 

Over a third (37.1%) said paid internships would boost their interest.

She said: “Councils have all the ingredients to attract and engage the next generation, they just need to modernise how they connect with young people by meeting them where they are, in digital spaces. 

“Our survey found that Gen Z expects to see recruitment content on Instagram (51%) almost as often as LinkedIn (56%). 

“Through our joint ventures, we’re fostering a digital-first approach to social media engagement, helping make councils more approachable and accessible to young talent.”