UK hospitality sector to offer up to 100,000 jobs to young people not in work or education
Bars, clubs and restaurants in the UK will offer up to 100,000 placements over three years to young people not in employment, education or training. The move comes ahead of former health secretary Alan Milburn's report on youth unemployment.
UK hospitality businesses, including bars, clubs and restaurants, will offer up to 100,000 jobs over the next three years to young people who are not in employment, education or training, a group known as Neets. The aim is to give them a first step into the labour market.
The scheme is being run with the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP). Participants include the restaurant chains Wagamama, Nando's and Burger King, the hotel chain Premier Inn, and pub groups such as Fuller's and Mitchells & Butlers. Neets aged 18 to 24 will be offered placements of up to four weeks to build skills and confidence. Andy Burnham will launch the initiative on Thursday during a visit to a hospitality venue. Last month the DWP announced a similar scheme for retailers including Marks & Spencer, Asda, Pets at Home and the John Lewis Partnership.
The work and pensions secretary, Pat McFadden, said the UK employment rate is now the second highest in the G7 and that the scheme would connect young people with employers.
Report on youth unemployment
The announcement precedes a report by Alan Milburn, a former health secretary. He has warned that the number of young people not in work or education could rise to 1.25 million over the next five years unless ministers intervene. His full review, with recommendations to the government, is expected soon after the autumn budget on 28 October. Milburn has signalled that the benefits system should be overhauled, alongside measures to boost job support, training and apprenticeships. Ministers are reportedly considering scrapping a disability benefit for under-25s and replacing it with a support package to help them into work.
School measures
The education secretary, Lucy Powell, is expected to announce a review of school exclusion changes. Research shows that students who are persistently absent from school are nearly four times more likely to end up unemployed and out of education or training.
