Former M&S boss tasked with spearheading drive to get younger individuals into work
Marc Bolland has been tasked with convening leaders across different sectors to help tackle the crisis of one million not in employment, education or training (Neet)
Marc Bolland has been tasked with helping Neets(Image: PA)
A former Marks & Spencer has been tasked with spearheading a new Government drive to get young people into work or education.
Marc Bolland has been tasked with convening leaders across different sectors to help tackle the crisis of one million not in employment, education or training (Neet).
As well as leading major companies including Marks & Spencer, Morrisons supermarkets and Heineken, Mr Boland is also the founder of the charity Movement to Work, which has helped over 200,000 unemployed young people into work.
In the role he will advise Work and Pensions Secretary Pat McFadden on the Government’s response to the Alan Milburn Review, which found over 1million young people are ‘Neets’, which Mr Milburn warned cost the taxpayer and the economy a staggering £125billion.
Work and Pensions Secretary Pat McFadden said: “The number of young people not in education, employment or training is a serious challenge that has been allowed to persist for too long. That is why I asked Alan Milburn to look hard at the underlying causes and what it will take to fix them.
“Marc Bolland’s appointment sends a clear signal that we are serious about tackling that challenge. His track record in business and through Movement to Work make him uniquely placed to bring employers together and open up real opportunities for young people who need them most.
Mr Bolland said: “As founder and chairman of Movement to Work we have, in close cooperation with DWP, brought over 200,000 NEETs into work and I am honoured and passionate to join the DWP now.
“I believe the Government is serious about tackling this generational crisis of youth unemployment, and I know that working hand in hand with business to support young people gives them the best possible chance of success.”
Mr Milburn’s report also showed that over six in 10 (61%) of young people labelled as ‘Neets’ have never had a job – compared to 42% two decades ago.
And the report highlighted research from last year showing eight out of the 10 English local authorities associated with the highest likelihood of being ‘Neet’ are in the North of England and Midlands. The included Knowsley, Middlesborough, Nottingham, Hartlepool, and Manchester while Islington borough in London also featured.
