A previous chief executive of Marks & Spencer has been named a government adviser on employment in a fresh effort to address rising youth unemployment. Marc Bolland, who ran the retailer between 2010 and 2016, will head a meeting of business figures following concerns that Britain could face a lost generation without swift measures. Roughly one million individuals aged 16 to 24, or one in eight, are currently outside education, employment or training. An interim study released on Thursday by former health secretary Alan Milburn cautioned that this group, referred to as Neets, might grow to 1.25 million by the 2030s absent major steps. Following the report, Bolland was appointed lead non-executive director at the Department for Work and Pensions, Downing Street announced on Saturday. Bolland, who previously headed Morrisons, was selected due to his prior work with the department through his charity Movement to Work. Officials noted that a partnership with the charity has already placed more than 200,000 young unemployed people into roles. Bolland will collaborate with chief executives from various industries to establish clear pathways into employment and address youth joblessness, the government stated. He will also counsel work and pensions secretary Pat McFadden on responding to Milburn’s recommendations. McFadden described the appointment as a strong indication of the government’s commitment to resolving the issue. A key focus will involve partnering with charities that aid disabled young people to improve their access to training and jobs. Bolland expressed that he felt honoured and eager to contribute, noting that joint efforts with business offer young people the strongest prospects for success. The share of Neets in Britain exceeds levels in many other developed nations, such as about 5 percent in the Netherlands compared with roughly 12.5 percent here. Milburn’s study showed that six in ten young people have never held a job, up from four in ten in 2005. The crisis carries an estimated economic cost of £125 billion. The report highlighted a rise in young people deemed unfit for work due to conditions including anxiety, depression and neurodevelopmental disorders. For every £25 spent on benefits for this age group, only £1 goes toward helping them secure employment. Nearly half of those claiming health or disability benefits before age 24 remain out of work or education ten years later.
