M&S is calling on the government for employer National Insurance relief for sectors helping young people and the long-term unemployed into work.
M&S said research by the Centre for Economics and Business Research showed one in four young people were choosing to begin their careers in retail – more than double the number choosing any other industry.
The research also highlighted unemployment and mental health challenges, showing 948,000 young people were not in work, education, or training in December 2024, the highest level in a decade.
M&S said National Insurance relief for businesses helping young people and the long-term unemployed into work would “unlock significant opportunities, with the Jobs Foundation suggesting the move could create over 100,000 jobs”.
M&S is also calling on the government to deliver on a promise of Apprenticeship Levy reform, so more of the funds paid by businesses can be used to offer opportunities.
Social mobility
“Retail is a powerful engine of social mobility,” said M&S CEO Stuart Machin. “At a time when so many young people are struggling to get their foot on the career ladder, this industry can give them that first crucial opportunity – particularly those facing the biggest barriers.
“As one of the UK’s biggest retail employers, we have already supported more than 12,000 young people through Marks & Start and we’re committed to doing our bit to get more young people into work. But we can’t do it alone – businesses need more support from the government to unlock more opportunities for young people.
“Retail is a dynamic, fast-moving industry where no two days are the same. From working in stores or supply chain to food, fashion or finance and everything in between, it can open up so many opportunities. This is an industry that can give you responsibility from a young age and if you’re willing to work hard, you will go far no matter what your background.”
M&S said the CEBR research showed long-term sickness, and particularly growing mental health challenges, had driven 300,000 16 to 24-year-olds into economic inactivity since 2019. It represents a 55% increase on pre-pandemic levels and the highest of any age group.
M&S made its call to the government as its Marks & Start employability programme reached a five-year record high for rate of candidates completing it, at 91%. Nearly as many (88%) had been offered a permanent job. The programme has supported over 12,000 young people into work in two decades, according to M&S.
The retailer laid claim to raising over £4.4m to support over six million young people in two years in a partnership with mental health charity Young Minds.
This month, M&S has also partnered with the careers podcast My Duvet Flip, showcasing stories and experiences of six young people who started their careers with the retailer.
Jonathan Townsend, CEO of Marks & Start partner The King’s Trust, said: “Young people continue to face significant challenges to their employment prospects, but there are so many young people who are ready to work and just need an additional support to make that happen.
“We rely on partners like M&S who invest in young people and create accessible routes to employment, helping us to achieve our mission of building the confidence and skills of young people who need us most.”
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