NEET idea | Major retailers back plan for 100,000 jobs for young people out of work

More than 40 major retailers have joined a government-backed programme offering young people practical workplace experience, as the sector sets an ambition to create 100,000 jobs for those outside employment and education by the end of the Parliament.

Alongside this, the British Retail Consortium (BRC) and Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) have launched Opening Shift, which will provide more than 11,000 placements for Universal Credit claimants aged between 18 and 24.

Tesco, John Lewis, Waitrose, Currys, Boosts, M&S and Costa Coffee are among the employers participating in the voluntary programme. Placements will last between two and four weeks, with participants completing 16 to 35 hours of work experience each week.

Jobcentres will refer eligible young people to the scheme, while retailers will provide workplace support and interview experience. Following their placement, participants could be offered a permanent position where one is available, added to an employer’s talent bank or directed towards an apprenticeship or another opportunity.