Government not in business of backing our entrepreneurs

FOR DECADES, the unwritten contract of working life in Britain was simple: get a job, work hard, stay loyal and you'll be rewarded with stability and progression.

- Andrew Markou

That contract is breaking down.Across the UK, I’m seeing a growing number of people quietly but decisively stepping away from traditional corporate careers. They haven't suddenly become risk-takers but, for many, staying put now feels like the bigger gamble.

After more than 30 years running BusinessesForSale, one of the UK’s largest marketplaces for buying and selling firms, I’ve had a front-row seat to changing attitudes to work. And what's emerging is a profound shift in how people think about security, success and control.

At both ends of the workforce, confidence in traditional employment is faltering.

For younger people, the pathway into stable, meaningful work has become far less certain. Entry-level roles are being squeezed, competition is intense, and the rapid adoption of Al is raising serious questions about what jobs will even exist in five or 10 years’ time.

Meanwhile, older workers, are increasingly finding corporate careers don’t taper off. They end abruptly. Redundancies and restructures mean experienced professionals are being pushed out earlier than expected with fewer viable routes back in.