Story perspectives

Retail Leads Youth Employment Amidst High Unemployment Rates

10/11/2025

Summary

Story summary

Marks & Spencer (M&S) states that retail is the top sector for youth employment in the UK, with nearly 25% of young people beginning their careers in this field.
The retail sector contributes £7.4 billion in Gross Value Added, accounting for 7% of its economic impact in 2024.
Despite this, 948,000 young people were not in work, education, or training as of December 2024.
M&S calls on the government to provide Employer National Insurance relief and reform the Apprenticeship Levy to create over 100,000 job opportunities.
The Marks & Start program has aided over 12,000 young people, emphasizing retail's importance in social mobility.

History

Historical Context

The UK's "Youth Contract," launched in 2011, aimed to tackle youth unemployment by creating 410,000 job opportunities, particularly in the retail sector, which employs nearly 25% of young workers. Despite retail's £7.4 billion contribution to the economy, 948,000 young people remain disengaged from work or education, highlighting ongoing challenges in improving youth employment and social mobility.

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Story summary

Marks & Spencer (M&S) states that retail is the top sector for youth employment in the UK, with nearly 25% of young people beginning their careers in this field.
The retail sector contributes £7.4 billion in Gross Value Added, accounting for 7% of its economic impact in 2024.
Despite this, 948,000 young people were not in work, education, or training as of December 2024.
M&S calls on the government to provide Employer National Insurance relief and reform the Apprenticeship Levy to create over 100,000 job opportunities.
The Marks & Start program has aided over 12,000 young people, emphasizing retail's importance in social mobility.

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