UK retailers plan to create 100,000 placements for young people over three years
Over forty British stores will join a government scheme to provide short-term work experience for unemployed youth aged 18-24.
Major UK retailers announced plans to create up to 100,000 short-term placements for young people not in employment over the next three years. The initiative, called Opening Shift, partners with the Department for Work and Pensions and involves more than 40 employers including Marks & Spencer, Asda, Tesco, and John Lewis. These placements will last between two and four weeks to help participants aged 18-24 gain experience. Former Health Secretary Alan Milburn, leading a review on youth worklessness, welcomed the move, noting that 60% of Neets have never had a job. He warned that without intervention, the number of unemployed young people could rise from 1 million to 1.25 million in five years. Prime Minister Andy Burnham stated these opportunities provide essential confidence and skills for entering the workforce. Other companies signed up include New Look, Wickes, Currys, and Greggs.
