Work experience | Small businesses urged to help create 200,000 opportunities for teenagers

Small businesses across the UK are being encouraged to offer work experience to 14 to 16-year-olds as part of a new government-backed campaign aiming to secure 50,000 placements from smaller employers, contributing to a national target of 200,000 additional opportunities.

The Open Your Door campaign, spearheaded by Small Business Britain aims to make work experience more accessible for employers without dedicated HR departments or established placement programmes. Supported by organisations including the British Chambers of Commerce, Enterprise Nation and the Federation of Small Businesses, the initiative will provide practical guidance, toolkits and support to help businesses welcome young people into the workplace.