More than 40 UK retailers, including Marks & Spencer, John Lewis Partnership, Asda, and Pets at Home, are set to offer up to 100,000 short-term placements for young people not in employment, education, or training (Neet) over the next three years. These placements, lasting two to four weeks, are designed to help 18-24 year olds gain skills and confidence for their first step into paid work.
The initiative, known as Opening Shift, is a partnership with the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP). Participants will continue to receive Universal Credit throughout their placement, which will vary from 16 to 35 hours each week. Each recruit will also be offered a 'buddy' to assist them in their new role, with the goal of moving as many as possible into a job if available.
The scheme follows the appointment of former M&S chief executive Marc Bolland to lead a taskforce addressing youth unemployment. The DWP will use jobcentres to facilitate access to the scheme for Neets. Helen Dickinson, chief executive of the British Retail Consortium (BRC), stated that retail is uniquely positioned to address the Neets crisis due to the industry's scale and reach.