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Thu, 30 Jul 2026

Thu, 30 Jul 2026 Virtual interviews don't show bosses your personality, says Burnham

Interviews online may not allow young people to "shine" and communicate their "passion", the prime minister says.
UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham has expressed concerns that virtual job interviews are unfair and don't allow candidates to showcase their personality and passion. With over 1 million young people not in work or education, and companies increasingly relying on AI to sift through applications, Burnham believes technology is making recruitment processes less fair. The UK's Recruitment and Employment Confederation (REC) disagrees, saying online interviews are useful but can't replace the importance of human connection. However, some experts argue that virtual interviews can be beneficial for young people who may not have access to in-person opportunities or struggle with anxiety related to traditional interviewing. Burnham wants to prioritize companies that offer work placements and give young people the chance to shadow senior executives, highlighting his concerns about the impact of AI on job applications. He also plans to open up new technical education routes to 14-year-olds, allowing them to combine core academic subjects with vocational training linked to local jobs. The debate comes as official figures show over 1 million young people are not in education, employment or training, with one in six set to be out of work, education or training in five years unless action is taken. Burnham's comments reflect growing concerns about the use of AI in job interviews and the need for more inclusive recruitment processes.