Hospitality sector backs plan to create 100,000 jobs for young people

Britain’s leading hospitality businesses have pledged to create 100,000 employment opportunities for young people not in education, employment or training (NEET) through a new partnership with the Government and UKHospitality.

Announced by the Department for Work and Pensions on 15 October, the initiative will see major employers across the hospitality sector provide paid jobs, work experience and training opportunities for 18 to 24-year-olds over the next three years. The scheme forms part of wider efforts to help more young people enter the workforce and develop the skills and experience needed to build long-term careers.

Companies participating in the programme include Whitbread, McDonald’s, Nando’s, Marriott, Compass, Burger King, Parkdean Resorts, Haven, Fuller’s, Merlin Entertainments, Stonegate Group, Mitchells & Butlers, Wagamama, Sodexo, WSH Limited and De Vere. Together, they have committed to offering 100,000 paid roles, providing young people with routes into employment and opportunities to gain workplace experience.

The Government said hospitality is already one of the UK’s largest employers of young people, making the sector well placed to support those currently outside work, education and training. Ministers said the initiative could help participants build confidence, develop transferable skills and, for some, begin long-term careers within the industry.

Work and Pensions Secretary Pat McFadden described hospitality as a sector that has long offered young people a route into employment, welcoming the industry’s commitment to helping unemployed young people take their first steps into work.

UKHospitality chief executive Allen Simpson said the sector is the largest employer of young people in the economy and that the partnership demonstrated recognition of hospitality’s role in tackling youth unemployment. He said the industry was pleased to work with Government to create 100,000 job opportunities and support future growth.

The announcement comes alongside a Government review of school exclusions, amid concerns that persistent absence from education can increase the likelihood of young people becoming NEET. Ministers said the measures form part of a broader package aimed at ensuring young people can access education, training and employment opportunities.