A former boss of Marks & Spencer has been handed the challenge of getting young people into work just days after a landmark report warned of a crisis facing the nation’s youth. Marc Bolland has been tasked with bringing business leaders together after the latest figures showed more than one million young people were not in education, employment or training (NEET).
Former cabinet minister Alan Milburn’s review warned that one in six young people could be in this state in five years unless action is taken. Mr Bolland’s charity Movement to Work has helped more than 200,000 unemployed youngsters into jobs. He will have the formal position of “lead non-executive director” at the Department for Work and Pensions, advising DWP Secretary Pat McFadden.
Mr McFadden said: “His track record in business and through Movement to Work make him uniquely placed to bring employers together and open up real opportunities for young people who need them most. I’ve also commissioned senior officials in my department to look at how we go even further in the support we provide young people – particularly young people with health conditions. And I’ve asked that that be done together with employers, charities, disabled people’s organisations and young people themselves.”
Mr Bolland said he was “honoured and passionate” about taking on the new role. He has also served as chief executive of Morrisons supermarkets and chief operating officer at Heineken.
He is expected to “turbocharge” the “youth guarantee”, giving young people aged 18 to 21 the chance to “earn or learn”. Supporters include Severn Trent, the Premier League, Channel 4, the Royal Shakespeare Company and Pinewood Studios.
This comes as former John Lewis boss Sir Charlie Mayfield investigates ways to “help people return to or stay in work”. Mr Milburn will deliver final recommendations on reforms tackle the NEET crisis later this year.
Shadow Work and Pensions Secretary Helen Whately said: “[There is] no question Labour desperately needs to listen to businesses. This appointment suggests they know they’ve been getting it wrong, but it will still be the same Labour backbenchers calling the shots. Labour’s jobs tax and red tape have destroyed jobs and opportunities for young people. The best answer would be several more u-turns, but I’m not holding my breath. The Conservatives will back businesses to create jobs, boost apprenticeships, and reform welfare to get Britain working again.”
The present level of NEETs is the highest for more than 12 years.