A coalition of more than 40 major UK retailers has committed to creating up to 100,000 short-term work placements over the next three years. This initiative, designed to help young people not in employment, education, or training (Neet) gain a foothold in the labor market, is being delivered in partnership with the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP).
The program, titled Opening Shift, targets individuals aged 18 to 24. Participants will undergo placements lasting between two and four weeks, with weekly hours ranging from 16 to 35. To ensure a smooth transition, each recruit will be assigned a workplace “buddy” and is guaranteed an interview upon completion of their placement.
The effort is spearheaded by a taskforce led by former Marks & Spencer chief executive Marc Bolland. Bolland, who also serves as a senior non-executive director at the DWP, leveraged his experience with the charity Movement to Work—which has already facilitated jobs for over 200,000 young people—to secure industry backing. He emphasized that the collaboration between government and business is essential to opening doors for those currently excluded from the workforce.
Participating Retailers and Support
- Key partners include: John Lewis Partnership, Marks & Spencer, Asda, Pets at Home, Tesco, New Look, Wickes, Currys, and Greggs.
- Access: The DWP will utilize its network of jobcentres to connect eligible young people with these opportunities.
- Financial stability: Participants will continue to receive universal credit throughout their placements to avoid the logistical hurdles of exiting and re-entering the welfare system.
The initiative arrives amid growing concerns regarding youth worklessness. Former health secretary Alan Milburn, who is currently leading an official review into the crisis, warned that the number of Neets could climb from 1 million to 1.25 million within five years without intervention. Milburn noted that many young people are trapped in a cycle of having no experience and therefore being unable to secure a job, with six out of ten Neets having never held employment.
Prime Minister Andy Burnham praised the scheme, stating that such opportunities provide the necessary confidence and connections for young people to begin their careers. Helen Dickinson, chief executive of the British Retail Consortium, added that the retail sector is uniquely positioned to address this crisis due to its extensive reach across the country.
The program has already secured 11,305 initial placements. Bolland expressed hope that this announcement encourages even more retailers to evaluate how they can contribute to building a future for young people within one of Britain’s largest industries. The report also notes that bolland, who led the retail chain from 2010 to 2016, has secured the support of retailers for the work placement scheme amid warnings that the country risks a “lost generation” without urgent intervention. The report also notes that he said: “My work as founder and chairman of Movement to Work showed me first-hand what’s possible when business and government work together to open doors for young people. The report also notes that “Work experience is a first step, and with the right conditions for businesses to invest and create new entry-level jobs, employers across the economy can help tackle the Neet crisis.”.
Key Job Details
- The report also notes that he said: “Six in 10 young people who are Neet have never had a job. Unless we can increase work opportunities, Britain’s Neet crisis will get worse not better.”.
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