UK retailers urge government action on youth unemployment
Some of the UK’s largest retailers are preparing to send a letter to Prime Minister Keir Starmer calling for action on youth unemployment. The British Retail Consortium (BRC) drafted the letter, which is being circulated among its 200 members, with signatures expected from the bosses of Marks & Spencer, Sainsbury’s, and Tesco. The letter warns that the “ladder of opportunity for young people is wobbling” and proposes a joint retail and government taskforce, according to Sky News. This follows a government-commissioned review by former Labour cabinet minister Alan Milburn, which warned of a “lost generation” after the number of young people not working or studying surpassed one million for the first time in over a decade. The BRC’s draft also urges the government to reduce the costs of employing young people and to ensure reforms support entry-level recruitment. Separately, Marks & Spencer launched a training scheme for 16- to 24-year-olds, creating 1,000 places in the UK and Ireland over 18 months. The government has announced a £2.5bn youth employment support package, including 300,000 new work experience and training placements in sectors such as construction, health, and hospitality.
What’s reported
The British Retail Consortium drafted a letter to Prime Minister Keir Starmer calling for action on youth unemployment, circulating it among its 200 members.
Signatories are expected to include the chief executives of Marks & Spencer, Sainsbury’s, Tesco, Primark, Asda, Morrisons, and others.
The letter warns that the “ladder of opportunity for young people is wobbling” and calls for a joint retail and government taskforce.
Last month, the number of young people not working or studying passed one million for the first time in more than a decade.
Alan Milburn’s review stated that youth unemployment is costing Britain more than £125bn a year.
The BRC draft also urges the government to reduce costs associated with employing young people.
Marks & Spencer launched a six-month training scheme for 16- to 24-year-olds, offering 1,000 places in the UK and Ireland with no degree requirement.
The government announced a £2.5bn youth employment support package, including 300,000 new work experience and training placements over three years, backed by employers including Manchester and Gatwick airports and JD Sports.
Simon Wolfson, chief executive of Next, said the retailer now receives twice as many applicants for each shop role than two years ago.
Key figures
Keir Starmer (Prime Minister)
Alan Milburn (former Labour cabinet minister, author of government-commissioned review)
Stuart Machin (chief executive of Marks & Spencer)
Simon Wolfson (chief executive of Next)
British Retail Consortium (lobby group drafting the letter)
Sources: The Guardian
