Former Marks & Spencer chief executive Marc Bolland has been enlisted by the government to address the escalating challenge of youth unemployment. This strategic appointment follows a stark review, authored by former minister Alan Milburn, which cautioned that one in six young people are projected to be out of work, education, or training (Neet) within the next five years unless decisive action is taken.
The Milburn review highlighted a critical issue: more than one million young people are currently classified as Neet, marking the highest level in over 12 years. Further statistics revealed that six in 10 Neet individuals had never held a job. Despite these figures, the review found that a significant 84% of surveyed Neet young people expressed a desire for employment or training, underscoring a disconnect between aspiration and opportunity.
Mr. Bolland’s mandate involves convening business leaders to expand opportunities for young people across the UK. He will also serve as a key advisor to Work and Pensions Secretary Pat McFadden on the government’s response to the comprehensive review. Commenting on his new role, Mr. Bolland stated, “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.”
In an immediate response to the Milburn report, the government announced a commitment from some of the UK’s largest businesses to back 300,000 work experience and training placements for young people over the next three years. Mr. Bolland brings a wealth of experience to this initiative, having previously served as chief executive of Morrisons and chief operating officer at Heineken. In 2012, he founded the charity Movement to Work in response to the previous year’s riots, a venture that has since helped more than 200,000 disadvantaged young people secure employment.
Mr. Milburn’s report underscored the urgency of the situation, warning that “for too many young people, opportunities are not growing, they’re shrinking.” His investigation specifically targeted the reasons behind the high number of 16- to 24-year-olds not engaged in employment, education, or training, a demographic central to the nation’s future economic vitality.
The appointment of a seasoned business leader like Mr. Bolland signals a concerted effort by the government to leverage private sector expertise in addressing a persistent societal and economic challenge. The collaborative approach, aiming to bridge the gap between young people’s aspirations and available pathways, will be crucial in averting the long-term consequences of a ‘lost generation’.
