Former M&S Chief Joins Fight to Save the 'Lost Generation' from Unemployment

The UK government is turning to one of the biggest names in British business to help solve a growing crisis. Marc Bolland, the former chief executive of Marks & Spencer, has been officially appointed to help tackle the rising tide of youth unemployment. This move comes after a stark warning from a recent review that described the current situation as a "lost generation" in the making.

According to a report by former minister Alan Milburn, things are looking grim for many young people. The review found that unless urgent action is taken, one in six young people will be out of work, education, or training within the next five years. Bolland’s new role involves bringing major business leaders together to create more opportunities and advising the government on how to fix these shrinking prospects.

The scale of the problem is significant. Current figures show that over one million young people in the UK are currently classified as NEET (not in education, employment, or training). This is the highest level the country has seen in more than 12 years. Interestingly, the report highlights that the lack of jobs isn't due to a lack of effort; about 84% of those surveyed said they genuinely want to find work or training.

Bolland, who also led Morrisons and Heineken, has expressed confidence in the government's approach. He believes that by working closely with the business community, they can give the younger generation a fighting chance. As part of this new initiative, several major UK companies have already pledged to support 300,000 work experience and training placements over the next three years, specifically targeting those who feel left behind by the current economy.

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