Key facts
- Hospitality businesses will offer up to 100,000 jobs to Neet individuals aged 18-24.
- Placements will last up to four weeks to build skills and confidence.
- The initiative is a collaboration between the hospitality sector and the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP).
- The scheme aims to address concerns that youth unemployment could rise to 1.25 million.
- Alan Milburn's report on youth unemployment is expected soon after the October 28 budget.
The UK hospitality sector is set to offer up to 100,000 jobs to young people aged 18 to 24 who are not in employment, education, or training (Neet) over the next three years. This initiative aims to provide a pathway into work for a demographic at risk of long-term unemployment.
The program involves major restaurant chains like Wagamama, Nando’s, and Burger King, along with Premier Inn hotels and pub groups Fuller’s and Mitchells & Butlers. These businesses will provide Neet individuals with placements of up to four weeks to develop necessary skills and confidence.
The initiative is being launched by Andy Burnham and is supported by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP). Work and pensions secretary Pat McFadden stated that the scheme will help young people build their careers, noting the UK's high employment rate.
This effort precedes a report on Neets by former health secretary Alan Milburn, who has warned of a potential rise in youth unemployment to 1.25 million without government intervention. His review is expected to propose significant changes to the benefits system, job support, training, and apprenticeships.