Ex-M&S chief to help government tackle youth unemployment

Former Marks & Spencer chief executive Marc Bolland has been enlisted by the UK government to spearhead efforts against a looming youth unemployment crisis, following a stark review warning of a potential 'lost generation' [1]. A review by former minister Alan Milburn found that one in six young people could be out of work, education, or training within five years without intervention [1]. The report highlighted that six in ten young people classified as Neet (not in education, employment, or training) had never held a job, yet 84% of those surveyed expressed a desire for work or training [1]. Official figures accompanying the review showed more than one million young people were Neet, the highest level in over 12 years [1]. In response, the government announced a coalition of major businesses would back 300,000 work experience and training placements over the next three years [1]. Bolland, who also formerly led Morrisons and served as chief operating officer at Heineken [1][6], will advise Work and Pensions Secretary Pat McFadden and coordinate business leaders [1]. "I believe the government is serious about tackling this generational crisis," Bolland stated [1]. The Labour government under Prime Minister Keir Starmer, which took office in July 2024 after a landslide election victory [4][5], is now confronting this persistent issue. The challenge involves regulating the provision of paid labour services, typically based on a contract between employer and employee [2]. Milburn warned that for many, "opportunities are not growing, they're shrinking" [1]. Bolland brings experience from founding the charity Movement to Work in 2012, which has helped over 200,000 disadvantaged young people into work [1].