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The government has appointed Marc Bolland, the former CEO of Marks & Spencer, to spearhead efforts aimed at increasing employment opportunities for young people. This decision follows a review highlighting what has been described as a looming “lost generation” of youth facing significant challenges in securing work or education. The review, led by former minister Alan Milburn, warned that without intervention, one in six young people could be out of work, education, or training within the next five years.
Milburn’s investigation focused on the growing number of 16- to 24-year-olds categorized as NEET (Not in Employment, Education, or Training). His findings revealed a troubling trend: the pool of opportunities for young people is diminishing rather than expanding. The review also uncovered that 60% of NEETs have never held a job, yet an overwhelming 84% expressed a desire to find employment or training. Official data released alongside the report indicated that over one million young people currently fall into this NEET category, the highest figure seen in more than 12 years.
Marc Bolland’s role involves uniting business leaders to create more pathways for youth employment and training. He is tasked with advising the Work and Pensions Secretary, Pat McFadden, on strategies to tackle the crisis highlighted by the review. Bolland expressed confidence in the government’s commitment, stating, “I believe the government is serious about tackling this generational crisis of youth unemployment, and I know that working hand-in-hand with business to support young people gives them the best possible chance of success.”
Bolland brings extensive experience in both the private and nonprofit sectors, having previously held positions such as chief executive of Morrisons and chief operating officer at Heineken. In 2012, in the aftermath of the 2011 riots, he founded the charity Movement to Work, which has since helped over 200,000 disadvantaged young people find employment opportunities. Recently, following the release of the review, the government announced a commitment from some of the UK’s largest companies to support 300,000 work experience and training placements over the coming three years
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