UK retailers to create 100,000 placements for young people out of work
In partnership with DWP, firms such as John Lewis and M&S plan to offer 18- to 24-year-olds placements of two to four weeks UK retailers plan to create up to 100,000 short-term placements for young people not in employment, education or training (Neet) over the next three years to give them a first step on the ladder to paid work. In partnership with the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP),…
In a joint effort with the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP), a consortium of major UK retailers plans to create up to 100,000 job placements for young people aged 18-24 who are not in employment, education, or training (Neet) over the next three years. The initiative, called Opening Shift, involves more than 40 retailers, including John Lewis, M&S, Tesco, New Look, and Greggs, among others.
These placements will last between two to four weeks and aim to provide the skills and confidence needed for young people to enter the workforce.
The scheme is a response to the warning from former Health Secretary Alan Milburn, who led a review into Britain's youth worklessness crisis. Milburn, who is heading the review, stated that the number of Neets in the UK could rise to 1.25 million within five years unless ministers take action. He welcomed the retailers' initiative, emphasizing that too many young people are caught in a "no experience, no job" cycle, which leaves them isolated from employment opportunities.
The prime minister, Andy Burnham, also expressed support for the scheme, stating that opportunities like these can significantly impact young people by giving them the confidence, skills, and connections they need to start their careers. The scheme, developed through the British Retail Consortium and DWP, has already secured the support of retailers and has pledged 11,305 placements.
Each participant will continue to receive universal credit throughout their placement, as they often face logistical barriers when accepting short-term jobs and then need to drop out to rejoin the welfare program.
Marc Bolland, former M&S chief executive and senior non-executive director at the DWP, is leading the taskforce to tackle the youth unemployment crisis. With his background in retail and involvement with the charity Movement to Work, which has already helped over 200,000 unemployed young people find jobs, Bolland believes that businesses and government must work together to open doors for young people.
The DWP will use jobcentres to help Neets access the scheme, and retailers will provide each recruit with a "buddy" to assist them in navigating their new roles. This partnership aims to create thousands of opportunities for young people to build a future in Britain's largest industry.
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