Key facts
- Youth unemployment in the UK has risen to 16.2%, up from 10.9% in 2017.
- The number of young people not in employment, education, or training (Neets) is estimated to exceed one million.
- Fast food restaurant growth has outpaced traditional sit-down restaurants by approximately five times between 2018 and 2025.
- The UK's fast-food chicken market is projected to reach over £5 billion by 2029.
- Domino's Pizza is expanding its fried chicken offerings, and Wingstop reported significant revenue growth.
A surge in youth unemployment across Britain has been linked to the proliferation of chicken shops, a phenomenon dubbed the "Chicken Wing Economy" by consultancy Baringa. Analysts suggest that young people not in employment, education, or training (Neets) are increasingly turning to fast food outlets like KFC, Popeyes, and Morley's due to economic pressures.
Data analysed by Baringa indicates that the growth rate of fast food restaurants has significantly outpaced that of traditional sit-down establishments between 2018 and 2025. This trend coincides with a rise in youth unemployment, which has climbed from 10.9% in 2017 to 16.2%, a level comparable to Greece. The number of Neets is estimated to be over one million.
Paddy Winters, a partner at Baringa, noted the association of chicken shops with Gen Z, influenced by online content and influencers. The expansion of US brands such as Popeyes and Chick-fil-A into the UK market suggests the "Chicken Wing Economy" is likely to persist. The consultancy predicts that young people's spending on fast food will continue to grow significantly faster than spending in high street restaurants.
Economists attribute the rise in youth unemployment partly to the Labour government's tax increases on businesses, including higher employers' national insurance contributions, and increased worker rights regulations. These factors, combined with higher costs for firms, have reportedly hindered job recovery.
Other food industry players are also capitalizing on this trend. The former boss of Domino's Pizza announced plans to expand into fried chicken, with the company's new chief executive confirming that chicken sales have boosted revenue. Wingstop has experienced substantial revenue growth, opening its 100th UK location. American chains like Slim Chickens and Popeyes are also actively expanding their presence in the UK market.