The UK government has enlisted former Marks & Spencer chief executive Marc Bolland to spearhead a new initiative aimed at curbing rising youth unemployment, following a stark warning from a major review that a "lost generation" is emerging.
Bolland, who also previously led Morrisons and served as chief operating officer at Heineken, will convene business leaders to create more opportunities for young people. He will also advise Work and Pensions Secretary Pat McFadden on implementing recommendations from a report authored by former minister Alan Milburn.
Milburn's review found that unless action is taken, one in six young people is projected to be out of work, education, or training within five years. Official figures show over one million 16- to 24-year-olds are currently not in employment, education, or training (NEET) — the highest level in over 12 years. Among NEETs surveyed, 84% expressed a desire for work or training, yet six in ten have never held a job.
"I believe the government is serious about tackling this generational crisis of youth unemployment," Bolland said. "Working hand-in-hand with business to support young people gives them the best possible chance of success."
In response to the review, the government announced that some of the UK's largest companies will back 300,000 work experience and training placements over the next three years.
Bolland founded the charity Movement to Work in 2012, following riots in England, which has since helped more than 200,000 disadvantaged young people find employment.
"The problem is that for too many young people, opportunities are not growing, they're shrinking," Milburn warned in his report.