McDonald's and Nando's have teamed up with other hospitality giants in a pledge to create 100,000 jobs for NEETs. The Office for National Statistics says there are almost one million people aged 16-24 who are not in employment, education or training (NEET).
Government and hospitality partnership
Yesterday the Department for Work and Pensions announced it is partnering with 'Britain's biggest hospitality brands' to create 100,000 new jobs in the next three years. Big names such as McDonald's, Nando's, Marriott, Wagamama, Haven, Merlin Entertainments and Whitbread, who run Premier Inn, are said to be included in the scheme.
They will only be available to those categorised as NEETs aged 18-24 with an aim to provide workplace experience and kick-start long-term careers.
Secretary of State's comments
Work and Pensions Secretary Pat McFadden said: "Hospitality has long provided young people with a route into the world of work. I'm delighted that the industry is helping unemployed young people get their first step on the ladder and build careers."
He added: "With UK employment now the second highest in the G7, this will unlock 100,000 jobs and connect young people with employers ready to take them on and help them build a brighter future."
Industry reaction
The scheme is run in partnership with UKHospitality, which claims to be the leading collective voice for businesses and people in the hospitality, tourism and leisure sector. Allen Simpson, chief executive of UKHospitality, said: "Hospitality is the number one employer of young people in the economy, providing valuable and rewarding routes into work."
He continued: "This announcement demonstrates the Government's recognition of hospitality as a critical sector to solve the NEETs crisis. We are pleased to work together on this partnership to target 100,000 job opportunities for NEET young people as well as on creating the right conditions for growth."
Broader government pledge
The government says the announcement builds on a wider pledge to support almost one million young people and create 500,000 opportunities to earn and learn. Dominic Paul, CEO of Whitbread, said: "Hospitality has always played a vital role in giving young people their first experience of the world of work, and we take our role in creating opportunity seriously."
He added: "As the UK's largest hospitality business with Premier Inn hotels in every corner of the country, we're proud that many young people join us for their first job and many of them stay to build their careers. We want to strengthen our industry's partnership with the government and are delighted to work with it to deliver this programme."
"It will create opportunities all over the country for young people at a time when we know there are many who need a leg up into the workplace. We know it's a big challenge for the country and as a business with no barriers to entry, no limits to ambition, we're committed to playing our part."
