For decades, a Saturday job was a rite of passage for teenagers, offering pocket money and work experience. But that tradition is fading, as structural changes in the economy and shifting business practices make it harder for young people to find weekend work.
A combination of factors is to blame. The rise of online shopping has hit bricks-and-mortar retailers, many of which are cutting back on part-time staff. Automation in retail and hospitality has reduced the need for entry-level roles like stacking shelves or washing dishes.
Businesses are also increasingly turning to flexible staffing agencies to cover weekend shifts, preferring older, more experienced workers for short-term contracts. The trend is compounded by a squeeze on small businesses, which have historically been the biggest providers of casual work.
The consequences for young people are significant. A Saturday job was once a stepping stone to full-time employment, teaching soft skills like timekeeping and customer service. Without that first taste of the workplace, many teenagers enter the job market at a disadvantage, school heads warn.
Yet some opportunities remain. Businesses in sectors less affected by automation, such as cafés, care homes, and independent shops, still hire on Saturdays. The key, careers advisers say, is for young people to be persistent and flexible, and to consider volunteering as a way in.