Marks and Spencer UK is at the centre of a major labour-market story after former chief executive Marc Bolland was appointed by the British government to help tackle the country's growing youth unemployment crisis. The move comes as more than one million young people across the UK are currently not in education, employment or training (NEET), prompting warnings about the emergence of a "lost generation" unless urgent action is taken. The appointment was announced on 31 May 2026 and follows a government-backed review that highlighted worsening prospects for many young Britons. The WP Times reports that ministers believe closer cooperation with major employers could help create clearer routes into jobs, apprenticeships and training programmes.
Former Marks and Spencer UK boss Marc Bolland will now work alongside government ministers, business leaders and charities to expand employment opportunities for young people aged 16 to 24. His role includes advising Work and Pensions Secretary Pat McFadden and supporting the government's "Youth Guarantee", which aims to ensure that every person aged 18 to 21 has access to work, training or education. The appointment follows concerns that youth unemployment has reached its highest level in more than a decade, while participation in the labour market continues to decline among younger age groups.
Marks and Spencer UK executive chosen as government adviser
Marc Bolland is one of the most experienced retail executives in Britain. Before leading Marks and Spencer UK between 2010 and 2016, he served as chief executive of Morrisons and held senior positions at Heineken.
The government said Bolland was selected because of both his commercial experience and his long-standing involvement with the charity Movement to Work. The organisation was founded in 2012 and has helped more than 200,000 disadvantaged young people move into employment through work placements, mentoring and training initiatives. Ministers believe his experience connecting employers with young jobseekers makes him uniquely positioned to address the current crisis.
Marc Bolland's career highlights
| Position | Organisation |
|---|---|
| Chief Executive | Marks & Spencer |
| Chief Executive | Morrisons |
| Chief Operating Officer | Heineken |
| Founder | Movement to Work |
| Government Adviser | Department for Work and Pensions |
Why youth unemployment has become a major political issue
The government's intervention follows alarming findings from a review led by former cabinet minister Alan Milburn. The report warned that Britain risks creating a generation of young people disconnected from education and employment if action is not taken quickly.
Current data shows:
- More than 1 million young people are classified as NEET
- Around one in eight people aged 16–24 are outside work, education or training
- Youth unemployment reached approximately 16.2%
- Six in ten NEET young people have never had a job
- The economic cost has been estimated at around £125 billion
- Most surveyed young people say they want work or training opportunities
The review found that opportunities for many young people are shrinking rather than expanding. Mental health conditions, anxiety, depression and other health-related barriers are increasingly contributing to long-term unemployment among younger adults.
What Marc Bolland will do next
A central part of Bolland's role will be bringing together major British employers and encouraging them to create additional pathways into work.
The government has already secured commitments from some of Britain's largest companies to support approximately 300,000 work experience placements, apprenticeships and training opportunities over the next three years. These programmes are expected to cover sectors including:
- Construction
- Retail
- Hospitality
- Logistics
- Manufacturing
- Technology
- Business services
Officials also expect Bolland to work closely with charities that support disabled young people and those facing mental health challenges. The objective is to ensure that training and employment programmes are accessible to groups that traditionally face the greatest barriers to entering the labour market.
Government and business leaders respond
Pat McFadden described the appointment as a clear indication that ministers are serious about tackling youth unemployment. Government officials believe that employers must play a greater role in supporting the transition from education into work. Marc Bolland said he was honoured to take on the position and stressed the importance of cooperation between government and business. According to statements released following the announcement, he believes that combining employer engagement with practical support gives young people the best chance of long-term success.
Key figures behind the initiative
| Name | Role |
|---|---|
| Marc Bolland | Former Marks & Spencer CEO, government adviser |
| Pat McFadden | Work and Pensions Secretary |
| Alan Milburn | Author of youth unemployment review |
| Movement to Work | Employment charity supporting young people |
Why the Marks and Spencer UK story matters beyond retail
Although Marc Bolland is best known for leading Marks and Spencer UK, his appointment reflects a wider shift in government strategy. Rather than relying solely on welfare programmes, ministers increasingly want business leaders to help shape employment policy and create practical opportunities for young people.
The challenge is significant. Britain currently records a much higher proportion of young people outside employment and education than several comparable European countries. Without intervention, experts warn that long-term unemployment could become entrenched for hundreds of thousands of young adults, creating lasting economic and social consequences.
For the government, the appointment of a former Marks and Spencer UK chief executive is intended to send a message that solving youth unemployment requires direct involvement from some of the country's most experienced business leaders. Whether the initiative succeeds will become clearer over the next several years as new training schemes, apprenticeships and work placements begin to expand across the UK.
Marks and Spencer UK: Frequently Asked Questions
Why has former Marks and Spencer UK chief Marc Bolland been appointed by the government?
The government believes Marc Bolland's experience leading major companies and helping young people through the Movement to Work charity can help create more job, training and apprenticeship opportunities across Britain.
What is the UK's youth unemployment problem?
More than one million young people aged 16 to 24 are currently not in education, employment or training (NEET). Recent reviews warn that the number could rise further without significant intervention.
What does NEET mean?
NEET stands for "Not in Education, Employment or Training". It is the term used for young people who are not studying, working or participating in formal training programmes.
What role will Marc Bolland perform?
Marc Bolland will advise the government, work with business leaders and help develop pathways into employment, apprenticeships and training for young people across the UK.
How many young people has Movement to Work already helped?
According to government figures, the charity has helped more than 200,000 disadvantaged young people move into employment since its launch in 2012.
What is the government's Youth Guarantee?
The Youth Guarantee aims to ensure that every person aged 18 to 21 has access to employment, education, apprenticeships or training opportunities.
Which industries are expected to offer placements?
The planned programmes are expected to include retail, construction, hospitality, logistics, technology, manufacturing and business services.
Why is this important for the UK economy?
Experts estimate that youth unemployment and economic inactivity among young people cost the UK economy around £125 billion through lost productivity, lower earnings and increased welfare spending.
Will disabled and vulnerable young people be included?
Yes. A key part of Marc Bolland's brief is expected to focus on improving access to jobs and training for disabled young people and those experiencing mental health challenges.
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