Retail Youth Employment Drive
UK Retailers Launch Major Drive to Create 100,000 Jobs for Young People
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Key Points
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The programme was developed with former Marks & Spencer chief executive Marc Bolland, whose employment charity Movement to Work was cited as evidence of what business-government cooperation can achieve.
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Participants will receive practical and transferable skills—including teamwork, planning and communication—as well as an induction and support from a designated workplace “Buddy.” Those not hired may be considered for a retailer’s talent bank or referred to apprenticeships and other training.
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Retailers that have pledged placements include Aldi, Amazon, Asda, Boots, Currys, Greggs, JD Sports, Morrisons, New Look, Pets at Home, Primark, Tesco and the John Lewis Partnership; Ann Summers was also identified among the participating firms.
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Helen Dickinson, chief executive of the British Retail Consortium, described the scheme as “a major contribution” to tackling the “no experience, no job doom loop,” while urging more retailers to take part.
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Retail-sector leaders estimated that the scheme could help between 30,000 and 45,000 NEET young people find work each year, potentially contributing to the creation of 100,000 additional jobs by the end of the parliamentary term.
More than 40 British retailers launched Opening Shift on Tuesday, a job program designed to get 100,000 young people into work by 2029. Retail Gazette reports the scheme has already placed 11,305 people aged 18 to 24 into two- to four-week work experience roles. Participants will keep their Universal Credit payments and work 16 to 35 hours per week while learning retail skills.
The program aims to break what leaders call the "no experience, no job doom loop." Nearly one million young people in the UK are currently NEET—not in employment, education, or training. Draper's Online notes retailers estimate the scheme could help between 30,000 and 45,000 of these young people find jobs each year.
Major Retailers Join Forces With Government
The British Retail Consortium partnered with the Department for Work and Pensions to launch Opening Shift. Yahoo Finance reports major chains including Tesco, Asda, Greggs, Aldi, Amazon, Boots, Currys, JD Sports, Morrisons, New Look, Pets at Home, Primark, and the John Lewis Partnership have pledged placements. Ann Summers also joined the effort.
The initiative was developed with Marc Bolland, the former Marks & Spencer chief executive. His charity, Movement to Work, showed how business and government can work together on youth employment. WatchPro notes the program will have jobcentres connect eligible young people with retail positions.
What Young People Get From the Program
Participants receive two to four weeks of paid work experience while staying on benefits. Each person gets assigned a workplace "Buddy" for support and guidance. Retail Gazette reports they learn practical skills like teamwork, planning, and communication through induction training and hands-on work.
After their placement, every participant gets an interview with the retailer. Employers will offer permanent jobs to strong candidates when vacancies open. Those not hired enter the retailer's talent bank or get referred to apprenticeships and further training programs.
Breaking the Cycle of Youth Joblessness
Helen Dickinson, chief executive of the British Retail Consortium, called Opening Shift "a major contribution" to fixing youth employment. The lack of work experience keeps young people trapped outside the job market. Draper's Online reports industry leaders say the scheme could create 100,000 additional jobs by the end of the current parliamentary term if retailers continue expanding placements.
The program responds to urgent concerns about rising youth unemployment. Without intervention, the number of NEET young people could climb significantly higher. Retail leaders are urging more companies to join Opening Shift and offer work experience slots to tackle the crisis.
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