AI Cuts 75,000 Youth Permanent Jobs Yearly in Exposed Fields

A study by HEC and the Bank of France reveals that since late 2022, permanent contract (CDI) hiring for workers aged 21-29 has dropped 28.3% in jobs most exposed to generative AI, equating to 75,000 fewer contracts per year. The decline is far steeper than the 7.5% drop seen in the least exposed roles, with software developers hit hardest at a 42% fall. All contract types combined, youth hiring in exposed fields fell 22.1%, indicating a frozen labor market rather than a shift to short-term roles. Economist Antonin Bergeaud notes firms are hiring less and not replacing departures rather than laying off workers. He warns that years of reduced recruitment could create skill shortages and drive young people to change career paths within a decade.