Tesco and Boots lead 100,000 jobs pledge to tackle Neets crisis
Tesco, Boots and dozens of other retailers have pledged to create 100,000 new jobs in a bid to tackle the youth unemployment crisis, which they say is trapping young people in a “doom loop”. A group of top high street firms – which also includes Asda, John Lewis and Marks & Spencer – have joined [...]
A coalition of major retailers, including Tesco, Boots, Asda, John Lewis, and Marks & Spencer, have pledged to generate 100,000 new jobs for young people as part of a scheme to combat the youth unemployment crisis. The initiative, supported by the British Retail Consortium (BRC), aims to offer young jobseekers aged 18-24 unpaid work experience followed by interviews for permanent positions.
Former health secretary Alan Milburn, who led a government review on the issue, emphasized that without more such schemes, the number of young people not in employment, education, or training (Neets) will worsen. The retailers plan to provide two to four weeks of work experience, allowing participants to continue receiving benefits while employed.
If a permanent role becomes available, the young person will be offered it. The scheme, which could create 100,000 permanent jobs by 2029, follows Prime Minister Andy Burnham's call for retailers to address the crisis, noting that young people often need experience to get a job and a job to gain experience. Over 11,000 placements have already been arranged, with Tesco contributing 5,000.
Retailers such as Greggs, Costa, and Amazon are also participating. The partnership is seen as a win-win, providing young people with their first step on the jobs ladder and employers with a larger pool of potential hires.
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