A partnership between the UK government and major retailers aims to create up to 100,000 jobs for young people by the end of the Parliament, the Department for Work and Pensions said in a release published on 8 September 2026. The department said the initiative is intended to address the number of young people not in employment, education or training (NEET).

Alongside that sector ambition, the DWP and the British Retail Consortium announced a voluntary work experience programme called Opening Shift for 18- to 24-year-olds on Universal Credit. The release described more than 11,000 placements of two to four weeks, at 16 to 35 hours per week, with workplace support and interview experience; Jobcentres would refer eligible participants.

Work and Pensions Secretary Pat McFadden said the partnership would help young people gain experience, citing a £2.5 billion investment in youth employment support. Marc Bolland, appointed by the government to drive youth employment reforms, was described as central to creating the partnership. The John Lewis Partnership also committed to 30 new Waitrose roles and a target of 1,000 care-experienced young people recruited by 2030.