Ismail Mulla

Young people achieving strong exam results still face a difficult transition into work, marked by rising living costs, student debt, low wages, insecure employment and unrealistic experience requirements for entry-level jobs. The column argues that hustle culture is not a sufficient solution and that artificial intelligence could further displace workers, including those in traditionally aspirational white-collar careers. Without meaningful opportunities and a broader response to unemployment and declining social mobility, Britain risks leaving successive generations feeling that hard work offers little prospect of security or advancement.

Roadworks and traffic disruption are causing major problems for residents, businesses, schoolchildren and pedestrians across Yorkshire, particularly in Dewsbury. Lane rental schemes being introduced by Leeds, Wakefield and Kirklees councils will charge companies up to £2,500 a day for work on busy roads during peak times, encouraging better coordination and scheduling. The schemes are welcomed as a way to reduce disruption, although there are concerns that costs may ultimately be passed to customers. The column also criticizes fragmented infrastructure management, limited local authority control and the poor state of public transport in West Yorkshire.