Over the summer there have been reports of how increasingly difficult it is for many new graduates to find a job at the end of their courses. The reasons are complex, and include the general state of the economy, rising employment costs, and the growth of Artificial Intelligence. This is being increasingly used in recruitment, with computer algorithms assessing – and rejecting – applications before they get anywhere near a human being. AI is blamed for the scarcity of jobs in some sectors as jobs such as data analysts are replaced by faster, cheaper computer software. In an interview on a recent Radio 4 PM programme, three recent graduates recounted their struggles to secure a job in line with their training and ambitions. Follow this link and scroll to 47:35 mins in the programme for the nine minute segment. https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/play/m002jtvp.
How should we pray about the issues this raises? Firstly, we can pray for those facing such challenges. Perhaps you know someone like this – ask them about it, and pray for them. We can also pray for how our economy develops and changes, that those who have power to shape how we work, and how we train people for work, would have wisdom and understanding.
Heavenly Father, who gives life to all, making human beings to reflect
your creativity in their life and work, and contribute to the common good;
bless and inspire all who have power to shape the way we work in the world,
and guide those seeking work to discern and follow their vocation
so that your will may be done, and your Kingdom come for people everywhere.
We pray in the name of Jesus who through his work has saved all things,
and lives and reigns over all creation.
Amen
We pray for:
- Matthew, Alice and Gracie – interviewed in the above clip – and people like them, as they seek their way in the world of work, especially those who struggle to find work that they have trained for and find fulfilling.
- All whose work is temporary and uncertain, and those whose jobs are being or are at threat of redundancy, that in the challenges and stress they may know God’s presence and peace.
- Reassurance for those who want to work, but cannot find a job, that they may have the support and encouragement to continue to seek and find work that fulfils their vocation and helps them serve others.
- All who work in personnel and recruitment, and the Department of Work and Pensions (DWP) for discernment and compassion in helping people find work, and when they have to give people bad news.
- Wisdom in the way society develops new technologies, such as AI, that impact how people work and opportunities for employment.
- Those retiring from work, including Dick Johnson as he retires as FWW Development Officer, and takes up the volunteer role of coordinating chaplaincy, and for all FWW volunteers in their contributions to our mission.
- Our FWW Chaplains, as they make their regular visits, and have conversations about the meaning of work, vocations and ambitions, that they may help people reflect on their purpose in the work they do.
- In our cycle of prayer for the work of FWW, this month we pray for all supporters and volunteers, including chaplains and trustees, as FWW becomes a 100% volunteer led organisation.
