Burnham urges rethink of virtual interviews and AI screening for young candidates

Prime Minister Andy Burnham has called on employers to reconsider their use of virtual job interviews and AI-powered CV screening, warning that both practices risk disadvantaging young candidates trying to enter the workforce. 

Speaking on the Jimmy's Jobs of the Future podcast, hosted by former political adviser Jimmy McLoughlin, Burnham said recruitment practices adopted since the pandemic were not necessarily fairer than before, arguing that video-call interviews and automated CV screening make it harder for candidates without established professional networks to demonstrate personality and potential. He said such formats tend to favour candidates who give more rehearsed, formulaic answers over those able to show enthusiasm and character in person.

Burnham said: "One thing I really don't like is this culture now of interviewing via Zoom or Teams. That just doesn't seem right to me. I know it's convenient for the organisations that do it, but how does a young person shine in that situation?"

He added: "How do you get over some of your personality, your passion? It seems to me to then work against people who have that side to their character, and work for those who are just giving the more formulaic answer. So I do worry about that."