Marks & Spencer has announced a new traineeship programme targeting 1,000 young people, a move that underscores the deepening crisis in Britain’s retail labour market. The initiative, which the company describes as a response to the shortage of skilled workers, will offer 12-month paid placements across stores, head office functions, and supply chain operations.
The programme, named the M&S Retail Academy, is designed for individuals aged 16 to 24. It includes formal qualifications in retail management, customer service, and logistics. The company states that it will guarantee interviews for permanent roles upon completion.
The announcement comes as retail sector vacancies remain stubbornly high, with the British Retail Consortium reporting nearly 130,000 unfilled positions in the final quarter of 2024. The collapse of several high-street chains, including Wilko and McColl’s, has displaced thousands of workers, while younger jobseekers face particularly acute challenges. Office for National Statistics data shows that one in eight 18-to-24-year-olds in England is not in education, employment, or training.
Industry analysts note that M&S’s move reflects a broader shift towards employer-led training, as government initiatives such as the Kickstart scheme have drawn criticism for limited long-term impact. The company has positioned the programme as a strategic response to persistent skills gaps, particularly in digital commerce and supply chain management.
The launch also aligns with M&S’s broader restructuring efforts. The retailer, which employs more than 60,000 staff, has been modernising its store estate and investing in technology to compete with online rivals. Its chief executive, Stuart Machin, said the traineeship would help build a pipeline of talent for the future.
Critics, however, caution that such programmes may not address the structural decline in retail employment. The sector has shed over 200,000 jobs since 2019, primarily due to automation and the shift to e-commerce. The GMB union argued that traineeships should not replace secure, permanent positions.
M&S said it will partner with local colleges and charities to recruit candidates from disadvantaged backgrounds. The first cohort is expected to begin in September 2025.
