Former Marks & Spencer chief appointed to support government strategy on youth unemployment

The UK government has appointed former Marks & Spencer chief executive Marc Bolland to help address rising youth unemployment, following concerns highlighted in a major independent review. The review, led by former minister Alan Milburn, warns of a potential “lost generation” unless urgent action is taken to improve opportunities for young people. It estimates that one in six 16- to 24-year-olds could be not in employment, education or training (NEET) within five years if current trends continue. Bolland has been tasked with bringing together business leaders to expand training and employment opportunities for young people. He will also advise the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, Pat McFadden, on how to respond to the findings of the review. The report highlights that opportunities for many young people are shrinking rather than expanding, with six in ten NEET individuals having never held a job. Despite this, a significant proportion—around 84%—express a desire to work or receive training. Recent official figures show that more than one million young people in the UK are currently NEET, the highest level recorded in over a decade. In response, the government has announced that major UK businesses will support around 300,000 work experience and training placements over the next three years. Bolland brings extensive experience from senior roles, including chief executive positions at Marks & Spencer and Morrisons, as well as chief operating officer at Heineken. He also founded the charity Movement to Work in 2012, which emerged in response to the 2011 riots and has since helped more than 200,000 disadvantaged young people into employment. His involvement is intended to strengthen collaboration between government and industry in tackling youth unemployment and improving long-term prospects for young people across the UK.