Digital prepaid card giveaway: New O2 customers get their hands on up to £250 when purchasing a new smartphone contract for no extra cost

  • THE DEAL: Customers get either £150, £250 or £200 via a digital prepaid Mastercard® when they purchase selected smartphones with a 30GB or more tariff. Customers can claim via the
  • PRIORITY BY O2: According to Uswitch O2 customers save up to £700 per year through Priority from O2 which offers exclusive rewards, VIP experiences and pre-sale ticket access to the hottest gigs in town.
  • ROAM AS STANDARD: Customers can benefit from inclusive roaming up to 25GB in 49 EU destinations at no extra cost
  • ROAM IN 75 DESTINATIONS: O2 customers who already have, or choose to add, Virgin Media broadband services, can roam in 75 destinations at no extra cost

O2 is offering £250, £200 or £150 via a digital prepaid Mastercard® to new and existing customers when they purchase selected smartphones on a 30GB or more tariff. Customers have from now (8th February 2024) until 3rd April 2024 to claim the offer on a range of handsets and until 6th March 2024 for certain iPhones.

Smartphone Cost per month What’s included
Google Pixel 8 £XX £250 digital prepaid Mastercard®

30GB on a Custom Plan

Inclusive EU roaming as standard in 49 countries

Exclusive access to Priority

O2 Extras including 6-month Disney+ or Apple Music

26-month contract

Google Pixel 8 Pro £XX
Google Pixel 7a £XX £200 digital prepaid Mastercard®

30GB on a Custom Plan

Inclusive EU roaming as standard in 49 countries

Exclusive access to Priority

O2 Extras including 6-month Disney+ or Apple Music

36-month contract

Motorola Razr 40 £XX
Samsung Galaxy Z Flip5 £XX
Samsung Galaxy Z Fold5 £XX
Samsung Galaxy S23FE £XX
iPhone 15 Pro Max 256GB £XX £150 digital prepaid Mastercard®

125GB on a Custom Plan

Inclusive EU roaming as standard in 49 countries

Exclusive access to Priority

O2 Extras including 6-month Disney+ or Apple Music

36-month contract

iPhone 15 Plus 128GB £XX

 

Once the customer purchases the smartphone contract, they’ll receive the digital prepaid Mastercard 60 days after purchase, if they haven’t cancelled or returned their new phone. Within 14 days of their purchase the customer will receive an email and SMS explaining how to get your digital prepaid Mastercard ®.

For those who might be planning to spend their digital prepaid Mastercard® on booking a holiday abroad, O2 is the only major provider to offer EU roaming (up to 25GB) at no extra cost, meaning customers can keep connected throughout Europe and not have to worry about data roaming charges.

If a household already has Virgin Media broadband and has at least one eligible O2 mobile plan, they can get Volt perks, giving them double their data allowance and the power to roam in 75 destinations around the world for no extra cost.

According to Uswitch, O2 customers save up to £700 per year, this includes rewards such as every Friday or Saturday customers can get a free Greggs foodie treat via the Priority app. In addition to this, Priority Tickets also allows Virgin Media O2 customers to purchase a gig or event ticket 48-hours before anyone else.

For customers to get even more money, O2 Recycle lets consumers recycle an old device where they’ll receive a cash payment which can be put towards an early upgrade. Customers can recycle online at www.o2recycle.co.uk.

Customers who opt for a Plus Plan* can save up to £269 per contract and can benefit from the following for just an additional £3.99 more per month than the Custom Plan price:

  • O2 Switch Up: Those wanting to keep up with the latest devices or after the freedom to upgrade mid-contract can do so with O2 Switch Up at no extra cost. The perk allows customers to switch their handset for any new phone of their choice, whether brand new or from O2’s Like New range, every 90 days* regardless of their contract length (as long as the mobile phone is in good condition and meets Switch Up requirements).
  • O2 Travel Inclusive Zone: O2 customers with a Plus Plan can roam up to 25GB in 75 countries, including 49 EU countries and USA, Mexico, Canada and Australia.
  • O2 Extras: Customers can benefit from access for up to six months to Disney+, Prime and Apple Music courtesy of O2.
  • A three-year warranty: If the device develops a fault through normal use during the warranty period, O2 will replace it or refund the customer for free. All parts and labour are included.

ENDS

Notes to Editor

  • Each year your Airtime Plan will be increased by the Retail Price Index (RPI) rate of inflation announced in February plus 3.9%. If RPI is negative, we’ll only apply the 3.9%. You’ll see this increase on your April 2024 bill onwards. See o2.co.uk/prices.
  • This card is issued by GVS Prepaid Ltd, an Electronic Money Institution authorised in the UK by the Financial Conduct Authority with Firm Reference number 900230; pursuant to license from Mastercard® Mastercard® is a registered trademark, and the circles design is a trademark of Mastercard® International Incorporated.

 

The post Digital prepaid card giveaway: New O2 customers get their hands on up to £250 when purchasing a new smartphone contract for no extra cost appeared first on Virgin Media O2.

Source: O2 Blog






Virgin Media O2 switches on residential 2Gbps broadband service and launches symmetrical speed options

  • Gig2 from Virgin Media O2 is the first residential 2Gbps service from any major UK provider to go live for sale, with broadband speeds more than 28 times faster than the UK average.
  • The operator’s latest broadband speed upgrade will revolutionise in-home connectivity and help to power future technologies from AI to immersive and cloud gaming.
  • Gig2 uses XGS-PON technology across a full fibre network thanks to Virgin Media O2’s partnership with nexfibre. This technology has the capability to support 10Gbps speeds in future.
  • Virgin Media O2 is also introducing symmetrical download and upload speeds on its full fibre footprint across all product tiers – the first major UK provider to offer this as an optional add-on.
  • Initially available across the nexfibre network, approaching 1 million premises at launch, customers in towns and cities across the UK including London, Cardiff, Milton Keynes, Sheffield, Manchester and Glasgow will be the first to benefit.

Virgin Media O2 has become the first major UK provider to publicly launch a residential 2Gbps broadband service and introduce symmetrical download and upload speeds across all of its speed tiers as an optional add-on for customers.

Gig2 is Virgin Media’s latest speed upgrade, offering enhanced broadband speeds twice as fast as its predecessor, Gig1.

The service, available across the nexfibre network which is approaching availability to 1 million homes in suburban and semi-rural areas across the UK, including Belfast, Cardiff, London and Glasgow, will help power the technology and devices of today and of the future – from AI applications to the metaverse and cloud gaming.

Initially trialled last year, Gig2 is powered by the latest XGS-PON technology and will operate on a full fibre network courtesy of Virgin Media O2’s wholesale partnership with nexfibre – a fibre network joint venture.

Customers in full fibre areas will also be able to boost their connectivity with a major upload speed add-on, providing them with symmetrical speeds so they can upload as fast as they can download.

This upgrade is available across all of Virgin Media’s speed tiers – from 50Mbps to 2Gbps – and marks Virgin Media becoming the first major UK broadband provider to offer this optional service.

Those that sign up or upgrade to Gig2 will receive Virgin Media’s Hub 5x router – its first to support XGS-PON technology. The Hub 5x is Virgin Media’s most energy efficient router to date, made from 100% recycled plastic, and will help to boost in-home WiFi performance by supporting WiFi 6 devices.

Gig2 is available for £84 per month with the option to add symmetrical speeds for an extra £6 per month across all speed tiers.

Both Gig1 and Gig2 customers can also enjoy Virgin Media’s market-leading WiFi guarantee, WiFi Max, at no extra cost, offering a minimum download speed of 30Mbps in in every room or £100 one-off credit back. For other speed tiers, Virgin Media’s WiFi guarantee can be added for £8 extra per month.

Those looking to enhance their connectivity line up even further can Volt their package for an additional £6 per month, adding an unlimited O2 SIM.

With Volt, customers can benefit from a host of added perks at no extra cost including a broadband speed boost on selected broadband tiers and inclusive roaming in 75 international destinations.

Those looking for some extra entertainment can add TV to their package with by Stream from Virgin Media. The pocket-sized box lets users seamlessly watch the telly they love at home and on the move for the ultimate entertainment experience.

Jeanie York, Chief Technology Officer at Virgin Media O2, said: “Virgin Media O2 has always been at the forefront of innovation to provide hyperfast and next-generation connectivity to homes in the UK, and Gig2 is our latest speed venture which will unlock endless opportunities for future technologies and the ever-changing digital needs of our customers.

“Gig2 will operate across nexfibre’s XGS-PON, full fibre network which will support symmetrical download and upload speeds – a first for a major UK broadband provider as an optional add-on – and will enable users to send and receive data, files and much more at the blink of an eye. With our heritage in providing cutting-edge technology and hyperfast broadband speeds, which saw us complete the UK’s first national gigabit rollout programme, we are looking forward to taking Gig2 to more areas in the near future.”

The true power of Gig2 and XGS-PON technology

Virgin Media’s Gig2 service offers download speeds of 2Gbps and operates on a full fibre network, powered by XGS-PON technology, enabling customers to download video games, films, music and large files in seconds.

File type and size Gig2 (2Gbps) UK average (69.4Mbps)
Call of Duty Modern Warfare III (240GB – PS5) 16 minutes 7 hours 41 minutes
Oppenheimer (66GB – 4K/UHD) 4 minutes 25 seconds 2 hours 7 minutes
Traitors Season 2 (7.6GB – HD) 30 seconds 14 minute 36 seconds

 

Source: Virgin Media Download Calculator Tool

With technology and innovation continuing to evolve at such a rapid rate, from the metaverse to AI and immersive and cloud gaming, Gig2 connectivity will underpin new technologies and applications.

XGS-PON also uses a passive optical network so energy consumption is lower and, coupled with Virgin Media’s new Hub 5x router, will help the operator meet its ambitious net zero goals that support better outcomes for customers, communities and the planet.

The Hub 5x also comes with a 10Gbps port which will be able to support even faster speeds in the future.

Rajiv Datta, Chief Executive Officer of nexfibre, said: “nexfibre’s full fibre network, powered by XGS-PON technology, provides a platform for progress, as demonstrated by Virgin Media O2’s exciting new Gig2 service with symmetrical speed options. As our roll-out continues at pace, we’re looking forward to empowering more consumers and businesses with the benefits of our significant investment in the UK’s digital infrastructure.”

ENDS

NOTES TO EDITORS:

  • Gig 2 is available in some Virgin Media Full Fibre Areas only (approaching 1 million nexfibre premises)
  • Volt benefits available if customers have or sign up to both a Virgin Media broadband service and an eligible O2 Pay Monthly tariff.

The post Virgin Media O2 switches on residential 2Gbps broadband service and launches symmetrical speed options appeared first on Virgin Media O2.

Source: O2 Blog






FORTY TWO PERCENT OF BRITISH PARENTS HAVE NO IDEA IF THEIR CHILDREN ARE USING ANONYMOUS CHAT SITES WHERE THEY COULD BE EXPOSED TO EXPLICIT SEXUAL CONTENT, ACCORDING TO A NEW STUDY

A new survey of parents, by Virgin Media O2 and Internet Matters, reveals almost a quarter (24 percent) admit they are not as aware as they would like to be about how their children are spending their time online.

The poll of UK parents ahead of Safer Internet Day (6 February), with children aged 6-16, found over three quarters (75 percent) were “extremely” or “reasonably” concerned about their child’s safety online.

And while platforms like YouTube (73 percent), WhatsApp (61 percent), TikTok (50 percent) and Snapchat (41 percent) were recognised as sites used by their children, only one in twenty (5 percent) parents were aware their children could be using popular anonymous chat sites.

In fact, more than 4 in 10 (42 percent) had no idea if their children are using anonymous sites where they could see and be sent unsolicited images and video from complete strangers.

And almost a third of unaware how anonymous apps or site work either.

And despite being from a tech-savvy generation, more than a quarter (26 percent) of younger parents aged between 18-29 didn’t know their kids could live video chat with anyone, while a third were unaware their children could view explicit or violent content – the highest result of parents surveyed.

More than one in ten (12 percent) British parents have discovered their children have seen, or been sent unsolicited images or videos, while a further 16 percent suspect they have. And almost a fifth (19%) say their kids have been exposed to fake news, with 13% having watched videos which promote dangerous stunts or challenges, while 12% have viewed hate speech while using an anonymous app or virtual chat room.

A further four in ten (39 percent) are worried their child may have taken inappropriate images of themselves and shared them online.

Of those parents who are aware their children have received explicit images, 28 percent only discovered them when looking through their child’s phone, while 26 percent had discovered explicit images on a shared family cloud.

Almost a quarter (23 percent) had been informed that their child had been sent inappropriate images via another adult.

Worryingly, 39 percent said images or video they had become aware of, had been sent by an adult stranger, while 39 percent said they had come from someone their own age.

More than one in ten (11 percent) said explicit images via social media and chatrooms were a weekly occurrence, while 8 percent said it happened as often as daily.

Dana Haidan from Virgin Media O2 said: “The internet is a great place for children to game, study, and connect with friends online, but we know parents want more help on having open and confident conversations with young people so they can use websites and apps safely.

“Ahead of Safer Internet Day, we’d encourage adults to visit Internet Matters’ website to get advice on speaking to their children and teens about the online world, how to use apps and sites without disclosing their personal information, and the tools and setting they can use to protect their children from viewing explicit content or accessing inappropriate websites or apps.”

When asked what other concerns they have about their children’s time online, bullying was parents biggest worry (27 percent), being groomed online (26 percent), fake news (23 percent), exposure to hate speech (19 percent) and being scammed (19 percent) also made the list of online dangers.

Overall, 92 percent of the parents quizzed say they have sat their child down and spoken to them about the dangers and staying safe online.

70 percent have altered the settings on their child’s phone to limit what types of material can be accessed.

But only 42 per cent have told their kids not to disclose their personal information such as their name, where they live or to send images or use live chat wearing their school uniform.

16 percent said they would not know what to do if their child told them they had seen images online which had made them uncomfortable, and more than half of parents (56%) says they want more help knowing what tools or controls to use to keep their kids safe online.

Carolyn Bunting MBE, Co-CEO at Internet Matters says: “The lure of anonymity can be appealing to children, as it can remove the anxiety of presenting your ‘best-self’ online or allow people to ask questions that may be sensitive or embarrassing. However, it can also expose children to a range of online risks, including inappropriate content, cyberbullying, and sexting. It’s important that parents take an active interest in their children’s online life by having regular conversations and ensuring that devices are set up safely using parental controls and privacy settings.”

Online safety experts, Internet Matters offered these tips for parents:

  • Talk to your child about their app usage: It’s important to know what your children are doing on their devices, so speak to your child regularly about which apps their using and who they are speaking to.
  • Review apps on their devices: Check age ratings of any apps you’re not familiar with. It’s a good idea to use app store settings to only show age-appropriate apps for apps. Similarly, setting up apps like Google Family Link, allow you to approve or block apps your child wants to download. For any apps that are downloaded, review the privacy settings to make sure they are in control of how their information is used, who can see their account and what they share.
  • Don’t be afraid to set some rules on app use: Children seek out norms to follow so it’s important to sit together and set some boundaries on the types of apps they can and can’t download. This will help them understand your concerns and why it is beneficial for them to use certain apps and not others.
  • Explain the risks: Help your child to understand the impact these anonymous apps can have on their digital wellbeing, and that what they say online to another person can have real-life consequences. Ensure they are aware of community guidelines and reporting functions on the app to flag anything that upsets them.
  • Help them think before they post: Although anonymous apps may hide your identity to some extent there are certain pieces of information that can identify you like an IP address or even an item of clothing (like a school uniform). It’s important to advise children not to say or share something they wouldn’t want to be shared publicly.
  • Be supportive: If your child is being cyberbullied be calm and considered, listen to their concerns and offer your parental support. Don’t deal with it alone, talk to friends and if necessary, your child’s school who will have an anti-bullying policy. 

Internetmatters.org includes step-by-step guides for setting up the right controls for a range of platforms, as well as tools and advice for parents wanting to have a conversation with their child about their online life.

The post FORTY TWO PERCENT OF BRITISH PARENTS HAVE NO IDEA IF THEIR CHILDREN ARE USING ANONYMOUS CHAT SITES WHERE THEY COULD BE EXPOSED TO EXPLICIT SEXUAL CONTENT, ACCORDING TO A NEW STUDY appeared first on Virgin Media O2.

Source: O2 Blog






Virgin Media TV customers can now enjoy amazing new TV features and over 100 channels on Stream at no extra cost

  • Virgin Media TV customers with a Stream box can now enjoy over 100 channels at no extra cost including a range HD and +1 options
  • Customers can personalise their viewing experience with the expansion of ‘My Watchlist’, a feature which allows them to access all the content they love in one place
  • Virgin TV 360 and Stream customers with Sky Sports can now enjoy the Sky red button functionality allowing them to benefit from HD match selection, recap clips and more

Virgin Media is enhancing the user experience for its TV customers with over 100 channels now available on Stream as well as the expansion of ‘My Watchlist’ and new red button functionality for Virgin TV 360 and Stream Sky Sports customers.

Virgin Media TV customers with a Stream box can now enjoy access to an array of popular channels, as well as a huge range of HD and +1 options at no extra cost.

The existing My Watchlist feature is also being expanded to allow customers to access the content they love across different sources all in one place – from streaming services to linear channel favourites. With the click of a button customers can save shows to watch now or later, with their saved content available to watch at a later date via their My Watchlist which now sits in the menu option bar.

For Sky Sports customers the red button functionality has also been boosted so they can enjoy even more of the sports they love. Virgin TV 360 customers and, for the first time ever, Stream customers will be able to experience HD match selection, enjoy in-game recap clips for football and F1 as well as gain access to the latest news and highlight clips.

David Bouchier, Chief TV and Entertainment Officer at Virgin Media O2, said: “We are constantly looking to enhance our TV offering and add value for our customers. With over 100 channels now available on Stream as well as the enhancement of My Watchlist and improved red button access, our customers can enjoy even more live sport and entertainment all in one place – at no extra cost.

Virgin Media O2 now provides more IP channels than any other provider, and we will be continuing to introduce even more exciting updates and features throughout the year so keep an eye out.”

ENDS

The post Virgin Media TV customers can now enjoy amazing new TV features and over 100 channels on Stream at no extra cost appeared first on Virgin Media O2.

Source: O2 Blog






Love is in the fare: 7 in 10 Brits admit to celebrating special occasions early if they can enjoy a discount

  • New research from Virgin Media O2 reveals that 70% of savvy Brits would celebrate a special occasion like Valentine’s Day early to benefit from a discount or offer
  • Over two thirds (75%) of Brits intend to commemorate notable national holidays and occasions by eating out in 2024
  • Virgin Media O2 customers can enjoy 25% off their entire Prezzo bill every day of the week until 11th February
  • 50 lucky customers also have the opportunity to get their Prezzo bill paid in full every week
  • In addition to offers at Prezzo, Priority members can enjoy 25% off their total bill at Gourmet Burger Kitchen any day of the week when they sign up to the Priority tastecard Club
  • Priority from O2 is available exclusively to Virgin Media and O2 customers, giving them access to amazing offers, discounts and experiences

Virgin Media O2 reveals that love does have a price tag as 70% of Brits admit to celebrating special occasions, like Valentine’s Day, earlier than the designated date if they can enjoy discounts and save money.

Whilst many Brits celebrate national holidays and commemorative occasions early to avoid overcrowding (25%), secure reservations at their preferred spot (23%) and to make the celebration more intimate (12%), the overwhelming majority (67%) do so to avoid higher prices and to take advantage of deals and discounts.

Among those surveyed it was also revealed that nearly a third of Brits (23%) partake in celebrations earlier than the specific date to save money frequently or for every special occasion that they celebrate.

This comes as Priority members can enjoy 25% off their entire Prezzo bill every day of the week until 11th February, helping cost-conscious couples looking to celebrate Valentine’s Day early to pocket a little extra saving.

Priority members can enjoy the 25% bill offer by redeeming a unique code via the Priority app or online. Once Priority members accept the original bill discount offer, they will then have the chance to be randomly selected to have their bill paid in full.

With over two thirds (75%) of Brits intending to commemorate notable national holidays and occasions by eating out in 2024, Priority members can also enjoy Valentine’s Day early with 25% off their total bill at Gourmet Burger Kitchen when they sign up to the Priority tastecard Club.

Virgin Media and O2 customers can download the free Priority app on iOS and Android, or O2 customers can text PRIORITY to 2020 to access exclusive perks, rewards and experiences.

Priority is exclusive to Virgin Media cable customers and those on O2, helping them do more of the things they love – from daily treats and experiences to early access to the most sought-after tickets in entertainment.

 

Virgin Media cable customers simply need to download the Priority app via their relevant app store and register using the email address that is linked to their My Virgin Media account. Those on O2 can register using their mobile number.

ENDS

T&Cs

  • Prezzo offer is valid until February 11th, 2024, and is not available at Prezzo Euston, Kensington, Glass House Street, Kings Cross, Northumberland Avenue and St Martins Lane.
  • Prezzo offer is not valid in conjunction with any other internal offer, partner offer(s), Tesco Tokens, Set Menu, Bottomless Brunch, Taste of Italy menu, Delivery or Takeaway Sales.
  • Dine-in only.
  • The ‘100% off your bill’ offer will be randomly selected when a Priority member accepts the offer
  • GBK tastecard offer is valid until May 2nd, 2024, offer is not valid on Bank Holidays, Valentine’s Day, Mother’s Day, Father’s Day, or New Year’s Day. Each tastecard discount is valid for up to six people per card, with only one tastecard membership permitted per table. tastecard’s offer cannot be used in conjunction with any other offer, voucher. The offer is not valid on delivery.

The post Love is in the fare: 7 in 10 Brits admit to celebrating special occasions early if they can enjoy a discount appeared first on Virgin Media O2.

Source: O2 Blog






Virgin Media O2 and Tesco agree 10-year renewal of Tesco Mobile joint venture

Wednesday 31 January 2024: Virgin Media O2 and Tesco Plc, owners of Tesco Mobile, have signed a 10-year renewal of their 50:50 joint venture.

20 years after it was first formed, Tesco Mobile has grown to be the UK’s largest mobile virtual network operator (MVNO), with more than 5.5 million customers.

The renewal of the joint venture reconfirms Virgin Media O2’s position as the network of choice among the larger mobile providers, with this agreement ensuring that Tesco Mobile’s customers will continue to benefit from Virgin Media O2’s vast mobile coverage. 99% of the population is covered by the operator’s fast and reliable 4G services, and 5G is now available across more than half of the country.

Lutz Schüler, CEO of Virgin Media O2, said:

“We have enjoyed great success with Tesco Mobile over the past 20 years, as a partner and a network provider, and I have no doubt that will continue over the next decade.

“With demand for mobile data greater than ever, we’re continuing to invest heavily in our network to give our customers, and those of other providers who use our connectivity, an even better experience with the fast and reliable mobile services they expect and rely on.”

Jason Tarry, Tesco UK CEO, said:

“We’re proud of our award-winning network, which brings together the great value of Tesco and the strength of Virgin Media O2’s network. This renewal will ensure that our customers can continue to benefit from excellent connectivity across the UK, while enjoying all the benefits of supermarket mobile, including exclusive deals with Clubcard Prices.”

Jonathan Taylor, CEO at Tesco Mobile, commented:

“With the combined power of Virgin Media O2 and Tesco we’re an MVNO which packs an almighty punch. We’re incredibly proud of the success we’ve achieved over the last 20 years, we’ve gone from strength to strength and now serve over 5.5 million customers across the UK.

“We’re looking forward to unlocking further opportunities with our partners to drive future growth and continue to offer our customers the best value, helpful propositions and award-winning service.”

Notes to editors

  • Tesco Mobile is a joint venture owned equally by the Tesco Plc Group and Virgin Media O2 UK Limited. The company was 50% owned by Telefónica UK prior to the completion of the merger of O2 and Virgin Media on 1 June 2021.

The post Virgin Media O2 and Tesco agree 10-year renewal of Tesco Mobile joint venture appeared first on Virgin Media O2.

Source: O2 Blog






NO EXPERIENCE, NO JOB: 7 IN 10 Young Brit jobseekers rejected from entry-level jobs because they don’t have enough experience

  • Survey finds Brits no longer think there is such thing as an entry level job, with more than a quarter (28%) believing it’s impossible to get a good one without prior direct experience in that field.
  • More than a third (37%) of 25-34-year-olds say one of the most frustrating parts of looking for a role is not feeling qualified enough, despite jobs being billed as entry-level.
  • Virgin Media O2 is creating around 200 apprenticeship, graduate, and intern positions in 2024 with no CV or prior work experience needed.

Young British jobseekers are being rejected for roles because they don’t have enough experience – despite the jobs being billed as ‘entry-level’, according to new research from Virgin Media O2.

The survey, commissioned to coincide with National Apprenticeship Week (5 to 11 February), demonstrates the uphill challenges young people are facing as they start their career.

In today’s hyper-competitive job market, three quarters (74%) of 25–34-year-olds have been rejected from an entry-level role because they didn’t have enough experience with a third (37%) saying they’ve felt underqualified when applying. For those who find themselves retaliating against unjust termination, understanding one’s rights and seeking legal counsel can be vital steps towards seeking recourse and ensuring fair treatment in the workplace.

Furthermore, more than three quarters (77%) of Brits believe it’s important to have relevant work experience even when seeking an entry-level role, while seven in 10 (72%) think it’s harder to find entry level roles nowadays.

Two thirds (64%) also believe there is more stringent job criteria compared to when they started out, and more than a quarter (28%) believe the dream of landing a good entry level role is dead, without prior direct experience.

The findings help shed light on the latest NEET (those who are not in education, employment, or training) figures released in October last year revealing a 1.3% increase year on year for 16-18 year olds, the highest rate since 2012.

Hiring on potential not prior experience

Virgin Media O2 is creating around 200 apprenticeship, graduate, and intern positions in 2024, in a wide range of positions across the UK including in London, Reading and Manchester. All roles are offered on a permanent basis providing job security, with a starting salaries of at least £22,500 and up to £35,000.

To help ensure a level playing field where young people are hired based on potential rather than experience, Virgin Media O2 does not ask for CVs or require any prior work experience for any of its apprenticeship, graduate, or internship roles. The recruitment process focusses solely on assessing candidates’ skills, strengths and motivations, instead of their education or work history. In addition to roles that require no experience, Virgin Media O2 also offers entry level positions that require no qualifications at all or just 5 GCSE 4-9.

Karen Handley, Head of Future Careers at Virgin Media O2: “It’s wrong that many talented young people are being overlooked for entry-level roles because they don’t have prior experience – it’s creating unnecessary barriers for people starting out in their career.

“At Virgin Media O2, we believe in creating opportunities not obstacles, hiring based on potential with no prior experience or CVs needed for any of our early career roles. With more than 200 apprentice, graduate, and intern roles available this year across the UK, we’re giving young people the opportunity to build the skills and knowledge needed for a successful future career.”

Through Virgin Media O2’s apprenticeship schemes, apprentices will learn in-demand skills, gain a recognised qualification and get into careers which would, in some instances, require a degree. Meanwhile graduates and interns will get the opportunity to rotate around different departments to help them find the career that’s right for them.

Roles available will include schemes such as field engineering, where apprentices work to keep customers connected by installing and fixing products in homes, and finance, where successful applicants will work across many different areas of finance operation, building fundamental accounting knowledge.

To find out more information about the roles available, apply or register for updates for further roles due to go live this year, click here.

The post NO EXPERIENCE, NO JOB: 7 IN 10 Young Brit jobseekers rejected from entry-level jobs because they don’t have enough experience appeared first on Virgin Media O2.

Source: O2 Blog