Ex-M&S chief to help government tackle youth unemployment

The former chief executive of Marks & Spencer has been brought in by the government to help get more young people into work after a review warned of a "lost generation".

The review, authored by former minister Alan Milburn, found that one in six young people is set to be out of work, education or training in five years unless action is taken.

Marc Bolland has been tasked with bringing business leaders together to expand opportunities for young people.

He will also advise Work and Pensions Secretary Pat McFadden on how to respond to the review.

"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," Bolland said.

In his review, Milburn warned: "The problem is that for too many young people, opportunities are not growing, they're shrinking."

He was tasked with investigating why so many 16- to 24-year-olds are not in employment, education or training - known by the acronym Neet.

His review, and other statistics, found that six in 10 Neets had never had a job.