Marks & Spencer has announced a major expansion of its youth employment programme, committing to create 1,000 new traineeships across its stores and head office by the end of 2025. The initiative, part of the retailer’s broader strategy to address skill shortages and promote social mobility, will target 18-to-24-year-olds not in education, employment or training. Trainees will receive a living wage, structured mentoring and a guaranteed job interview upon completion.
The move aligns with the government’s broader push to reduce youth unemployment, which currently stands at 11.6% among 16-to-24-year-olds. M&S chief executive Stuart Machin described the programme as an investment in the next generation of retail talent.
The traineeships, to be rolled out across 250 stores, cover roles from customer service to supply chain management. The announcement has been welcomed by business groups, though some analysts caution that long-term retention of young workers remains a challenge for the sector. M&S’s initiative follows similar moves by other high street names, including Tesco and Sainsbury’s, as the retail industry battles a tight labour market.
