UK hospitality sector pledges 100,000 jobs for unemployed young people

The UK hospitality sector has pledged to create 100,000 jobs for young people not in education, employment, or training (NEET) over three years.

The pledge has been made in partnership with the government. It is intended to give young people experience, skills, and confidence, and to set them on a path to a career in hospitality or elsewhere.

The first step on the ladder

Pat McFadden, Work and Pensions Secretary

Businesses including Nando’s, Wagamama, Burger King, and Fuller’s have committed to the target. Among others, they will work with the Department for Work and Pensions to provide paid employment, work experience, and training for 18 to 24-year-olds.

Work and Pensions Secretary Pat McFadden said hospitality provides young people with “the first step on the ladder” and creates a “route into the world of work”.

…recognition of hospitality as a critical sector to solve the NEETs crisis

Allen Simpson, Chief Executive of UK Hospitality

The announcement follows a warning from former health secretary Alan Milburn, who is leading an independent government inquiry into the issue. He has said there will be 1.25 million NEET young people by 2031.

This would be a rise from one in eight young people to one in six. Rising unemployment among young people can lower their future chances of a secure career and damage their mental health and self-esteem.

Allen Simpson, chief executive of UKHospitality, said the programme “demonstrates the government’s recognition of hospitality as a critical sector to solve the NEETs crisis”.

However, some businesses have criticised the government. They argue that they are unable, rather than unwilling, to hire young people because of increased hiring costs and regulatory burdens.

A survey by the Confederation of British Industry found that 73% of businesses believe labour costs are the greatest threat to the competitiveness of the UK labour market.

It also found that 53% of businesses offer fewer apprenticeships than they would like, due to wider cost pressures.