The British Retail Consortium has drafted a letter to Keir Starmer urging action on youth unemployment, circulating it among its 200 members ahead of expected signatures from the bosses of Marks & Spencer, Sainsbury’s and Tesco. The letter, first reported by Sky News, warns that the “ladder of opportunity for young people is wobbling” and calls for a joint retail and government taskforce.

It follows the first part of a government-commissioned review by former Labour cabinet minister Alan Milburn, which painted a damning picture of a “record of failure” letting young people down. The BRC draft urges Starmer to “ensure employment and skills reforms support, rather than discourage, entry-level recruitment and progression”, arguing that retail has long been a place where young people with few qualifications can build lasting careers.

In response to Milburn’s report, the government announced 300,000 new work experience and training placements over the next three years in sectors including construction, health and social care, and hospitality, as part of a £2.5 billion youth employment support package backed by major employers including Manchester and Gatwick airports and JD Sports.

See also – M&S Launches New Traineeship for 1,000 Young People.