M&S launches new traineeship for 1,000 young people

Marks and Spencer is launching a new training scheme for young people trying to get on the career ladder in a bid to tackle the "growing youth unemployment challenge".

Aimed at 16-24-year olds, it will create 1,000 training places in the UK and Ireland over the next 18 months.

M&S said the paid scheme aims to tackle the rising number of young people not in employment, education, or training - so-called 'Neets'.

The latest official figures show more than one million young people are Neet - the highest level in more than 12 years and equating to roughly one in eight young people. Last month, a key review warned one in six will be Neet in five years if action is not taken.

The review found job and career opportunities for those hoping to enter employment are "not growing, they're shrinking". Its author, former minister Alan Milburn, warned of a potential "lost generation".

It said there was not one factor causing the crisis, citing the Covid-19 pandemic, smartphones, health issues and the current jobs market, which has seen a sharp drop in the number of entry-level positions.

High Street retailers and hospitality businesses such as restaurants, cafes and pubs often offer the first experience of work for many.

M&S said its new scheme will provide six months of training, with successful participants then receiving further training to become a store manager.