Former Marks & Spencer executive, Marc Bolland, has been appointed to lead a new government initiative aimed at assisting young individuals in securing employment or pursuing education. Bolland will collaborate with leaders from various industries to address the challenge of one million young people not engaged in employment, education, or training (Neet).
In addition to his leadership roles at prominent companies like Marks & Spencer, Morrisons, and Heineken, Bolland is the founder of the charity Movement to Work, which has successfully supported over 200,000 unemployed youths in finding employment opportunities.
Bolland’s responsibilities include advising Work and Pensions Secretary Pat McFadden on the government’s response to the findings of the Alan Milburn Review, which revealed the significant economic impact of over one million young Neets costing the economy around £125 billion.
Expressing his commitment to addressing the issue, Secretary McFadden emphasized the urgency of tackling the longstanding challenge of youth unemployment. Bolland’s appointment signifies the government’s dedication to resolving this issue, leveraging his business expertise and experience with Movement to Work to create tangible opportunities for disadvantaged young individuals.
Acknowledging the gravity of the youth unemployment crisis, Bolland affirmed his dedication to collaborating with the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) to support young people in achieving success. Noting a concerning trend, the Milburn report highlighted that a majority of Neets have never held a job, with statistics indicating a rise in youth unemployment over the past two decades.
Furthermore, the report identified specific regions in England, particularly in the North and Midlands, with a higher concentration of Neets. Notable areas included Knowsley, Middlesborough, Nottingham, Hartlepool, Manchester, and Islington in London.
The effort to combat youth unemployment remains a top priority, with collaborative actions between the government, businesses, and charitable organizations aimed at providing meaningful opportunities for young individuals to enter the workforce and contribute positively to the economy.
