By bizn_fun 
Businesses argue that government policies, including a rise in the minimum wage, have pushed up their costs.
But beyond that, employers are also increasingly citing AI as the reason for layoffs.
AI is able to take on some time-consuming work such as processing data, implementing detailed instructions, or writing basic reports and communications, tasks which are often associated with first-job roles.
Danni Hewson, head of financial analysis at AJ Bell, said that “for young people in particular, already struggling to get their first taste of work, AI could result in a scarcity of entry-level posts”.
Many jobseekers are also using AI to write applications, to help them increase the number they can apply for. Hiring teams are in turn using it to screen CVs — and, in some cases, even conduct interviews.