Speaking to former political adviser Jimmy McLoughlin on his podcast Jimmy’s Jobs of the Future, Burnham said he was concerned that the use of technology was not making recruitment processes “fairer”.
“How do you get over some of your personality, your passion?” he asked, referring to virtual interviews. “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.
“I do worry about that and I’ve seen that in relation to my kids and their situation.”
Responding to Burham’s comments, industry body the Recruitment and Employment Confederation (REC) said online interviews were useful, particularly in earlier hiring stages, but could not replace vital in-person connection.
Maxine Bligh, chief membership and innovation officer at the REC, added: “AI tools are helpful, even essential, when dealing with a huge volume of applications, but it takes skill and professionalism to make the right call.
“The key message from us to recruiters is to go digital where it matters and human where it counts.”
More than one million 16-25-year-olds are not in education, employment or training – the highest level in more than 12 years, official figures show.
A major review by former minister Alan Milburn found job and career opportunities for young people are “not growing, they’re shrinking” with one in six set to be out of work, education or training in five years unless action is taken.
“We are at risk of a lost generation” with young adults facing a “perfect storm” of challenges, Milburn warned in May.
