Bar Rules Out Jobs for Young People Whose Parents Apply for Them
Bar rules out jobs for young – Owen Williams, owner of Tank Bar and Live Lounge in Warrington, has expressed concern over the trend of parents submitting job applications for their children. He emphasized a strict approach, stating that unless applicants present their own CVs and apply directly, he would not consider hiring them. This stance has sparked discussions about the role of parental support in youth employment.
“I don’t think parents doing everything for their kids is beneficial for the future,” Williams said. “The hospitality sector needs to see confidence and capability in applicants, not rely on their parents to do the work.”
Williams mentioned rejecting ten applications from parents in a single week, highlighting his frustration with the practice. Meanwhile, national data reveals that one million UK youth aged 16 to 24 were not engaged in education, employment, or training during January to March 2026. In Liverpool, the rate was 9%, and in Manchester, 7.4%—both higher than the 5.8% national average.
Support for Parental Involvement
Rushid Afzali, a representative of the Be Free Campaign in Liverpool, acknowledged that parents often step in to assist their children. “It’s natural for parents to worry when jobs are hard to find,” he stated. “Many try to blame young people for the challenges, but the issue is more about support than lack of motivation.”
“Of course a parent would want to help their child secure a job. It’s not about being lazy—it’s about giving them a chance to succeed,” Afzali added.
Brad, a 23-year-old from Warrington, shared his experience with his mother’s assistance. “My mum helped me get my first job at 14, and now she’s supporting me again,” he said. “It’s easier when someone with recruitment experience is involved.”
Confidence and the Impact of the Pandemic
Amanda, a local parent, attributed the reliance on parental help to the effects of the coronavirus pandemic. “The generation has faced anxiety and confidence challenges, so parents feel they must take the lead,” she explained. Sue, another Warrington resident, echoed this sentiment, stating she helped her daughter apply for a job due to the current difficulty for teenagers in finding work.
“My mum supported me, and I’m supporting my daughter now. Businesses need to give young people opportunities to prove themselves,” Sue said.
Williams noted that after posting a Facebook message about his policy, he received nearly 100 applications from recent school leavers. “It’s unfortunate we don’t have jobs for all of them,” he remarked. “Maybe the post made them realize what they need to do to stand out in the job market.”
Carlos Brito, head chef at 19 BLVD, and Rob Bastow, manager of Botanico in Liverpool, also endorsed Williams’ position, stressing the importance of applicants demonstrating independence. “We look for confidence and self-reliance,” Bastow said.
Williams concluded by reflecting on how some young people might have had their confidence affected by the pandemic. “It’s a reminder of how critical it is for them to take initiative,” he added.
