M&S boss to the rescue as youth worklessness crisis set to surge | Politics | News
A former boss of Marks & Spencer is faced with the task of recruiting young people 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 a million young people are 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 situation within five years unless action is taken. Mr Bolland’s charity, Work Action, has helped more than 200,000 unemployed young people find work. He will hold the official “chief non-executive director” position at the Department for Work and Pensions, advising DWP Secretary Pat McFadden.
Mr McFadden said: “His background in business and Action to Work puts him in a unique position to bring employers together and create real opportunities for the young people who need them most. I have also commissioned senior officials in my department to look at how we can further improve the support we provide to young people, particularly young people with health problems. And I have asked for this to be done together with employers, charities, disability organizations and young people themselves.”
Mr Bolland said he was “honoured and passionate” about taking on the new role. He also served as managing director of Morrisons supermarkets and chief operating officer at Heineken.
It is expected to “accelerate” the “youth guarantee” and give young people aged 18-21 the chance to “earn or learn”. Supporters include Severn Trent, Premier League, Channel 4, Royal Shakespeare Company and Pinewood Studios.
It was revealed as former John Lewis boss Sir Charlie Mayfield explored ways to “help people return to or stay in work”. Mr Milburn will make final recommendations on reforms to tackle the NEET crisis later this year.
Shadow Work and Pensions Secretary Helen Whately said: “[There is] There is no doubt that Labor urgently needs to listen to businesses. This appointment shows they know they are doing it wrong, but it will still be the same Labor backbenchers calling the shots. Labour’s jobs tax and bureaucracy have destroyed young people’s jobs and opportunities. The best answer would be to make a few more U-turns, but I’m not holding my breath. “The Tories will support businesses to create jobs, increase apprenticeships and deliver welfare reform to get Britain back up and running.”
The current level of NEETs is the highest in over 12 years.
