Former Marks & Spencer executive Marc Bolland has been appointed to lead a new government initiative aimed at assisting young individuals in finding employment or pursuing education opportunities. Bolland will collaborate with leaders from various sectors to address the issue of one million young people not engaged in employment, education, or training (Neet).
In addition to his roles in leading prominent companies like Marks & Spencer, Morrisons, and Heineken, Bolland is the founder of the Movement to Work charity, which has successfully assisted over 200,000 unemployed youths in securing employment opportunities. He will provide guidance to Work and Pensions Secretary Pat McFadden on the government’s response to the Alan Milburn Review, which revealed the significant impact of having over one million Neets, costing the economy and taxpayers a substantial £125 billion.
Expressing his commitment to addressing the challenge, Secretary McFadden emphasized the necessity of understanding the root causes and implementing effective solutions. Bolland’s appointment signifies a strong commitment to tackling youth unemployment, leveraging his extensive business experience and contributions through Movement to Work to create meaningful opportunities for disadvantaged young individuals.
Bolland expressed his enthusiasm for joining the Department for Work and Pensions, highlighting the government’s dedication to combatting the ongoing issue of youth unemployment. He emphasized the importance of collaboration between the government and businesses to provide the best chances for young people to succeed.
Furthermore, the Milburn report revealed alarming statistics, indicating that a majority of Neets have never held a job, with the percentage significantly higher compared to two decades ago. The report also highlighted specific regions in England, particularly in the North and Midlands, with a higher concentration of Neets, including areas like Knowsley, Middlesbrough, Nottingham, Hartlepool, Manchester, and Islington in London.
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