UK retailers launch ‘Opening Shift’ to tackle youth unemployment

Major UK retail brands have launched the ‘Opening Shift’ initiative to combat youth unemployment among those not in education, employment, or training (NEETs). Organized by the Department for Work and Pensions and the British Retail Consortium, the program aims to create 100,000 jobs for young people before the next election.

Approximately 40 retailers, including Tesco, John Lewis, Curry’s, and Costa Coffee, have already pledged over 11,000 voluntary work experience placements lasting two to four weeks. These placements are designed to provide essential experience to young universal credit claimants, with participating firms offering interviews at the conclusion of the program to facilitate long-term hiring.

This initiative comes amid economic challenges for the sector. Recent data indicates that the cost of employing part-time staff on the National Living Wage has risen by 19% in two years, partly due to changes in employer National Insurance Contributions. Industry representatives have noted that over 100,000 retail jobs have been lost following these changes, highlighting the importance of supporting the first rung of the career ladder for young workers.