The former chief executive of Marks & Spencer, Marc Bolland, has been appointed by the government to help tackle a growing youth unemployment crisis, after a major review warned the UK risks a 'lost generation' of young people shut out of work or education.
Bolland, who led the retail chain from 2010 to 2016, will convene business leaders and advise Work and Pensions Secretary Pat McFadden on getting more 16- to 24-year-olds into jobs, training or education. The appointment comes as a government-commissioned review chaired by former Labour minister Alan Milburn projected that the number of young people not in education, employment or training (NEET) could rise by 25% to 1.25 million by 2031 without urgent intervention.
“Former M&S chief Marc Bolland is appointed to advise on youth unemployment after a report warns NEET numbers could reach 1.25 million by 2031, costing £125bn a year. He will lead a business summit to expand opportunities, particularly for disabled and depressed young people, amid charities' warnings of rising homelessness.”
The report, which warned that 'opportunities are shrinking for too many young people', estimated the annual cost of youth disengagement at £125 billion. Charities said the trend was already pushing more young people into unstable housing and homelessness. Centrepoint, the youth homelessness charity, warned of a 'huge scarcity of work opportunities' driving the crisis.
Bolland, 63, will focus particularly on helping those with disabilities or mental health conditions – including depression – into work or training. He will lead a summit of business leaders to agree on action, including expanding apprenticeships and work placements. The government said his experience in retail and logistics would be valuable in creating pathways for young people.
Young people have described the scale of the challenge. The BBC spoke to jobseekers who said they had applied for more than 400 roles without success. The problem is most acute for 18- to 24-year-olds, with almost one million already NEET according to recent figures. The Milburn review warned that without action the number would climb to 1.25 million within five years.
The crisis has cross-party concern. Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer has made youth unemployment a priority, and the appointment of Bolland – a prominent business figure – is seen as an attempt to show the government is serious about intervention. However, charities say more than summits are needed. Centrepoint urged ministers to also address the housing shortage, warning that joblessness is driving homelessness.
What happens next Bolland will convene a business summit in the coming months. The government has not yet announced specific funding or policy changes, but the Milburn review is expected to produce formal recommendations later this year. Work and Pensions Secretary Pat McFadden said Bolland's appointment was 'a key step in ensuring every young person has the chance to succeed.'
What this means for you For young people out of work, the appointment signals a renewed focus on employment support, though immediate change is unlikely. Those struggling to find jobs may eventually see more apprenticeships and mental health support services. For families concerned about a child's prospects, the government's recognition of the scale of the problem may bring more targeted help. For renters and those on low incomes, if youth unemployment continues to rise, pressure on housing and benefits could increase. The £125 billion annual cost is ultimately borne by taxpayers, meaning the success or failure of these efforts will affect public finances and services.