UK Retailers Launch Opening Shift to Create 100,000 Placements

A coalition of more than 40 major UK retailers, including Tesco, Marks & Spencer, Asda, Greggs, and John Lewis, has partnered with the government to launch Opening Shift. The initiative aims to create up to 100,000 short-term work placements for young people aged 18 to 24 who are not in employment, education, or training (Neet) by 2029.

Developed by the British Retail Consortium and the Department for Work and Pensions, the program offers voluntary two-to-four-week placements to help participants build skills and confidence. Those receiving Universal Credit can access the program via jobcentres and are guaranteed an interview at the end of their placement. The drive targets a systemic cycle where young applicants lack the experience required for entry-level roles, a problem affecting approximately 981,000 young people as of the second quarter of 2026.

Prime Minister Andy Burnham endorsed the move, while Marc Bolland, head of a government youth unemployment taskforce, secured the retailer support. The initiative follows warnings from Alan Milburn that the Neet population could reach 1.25 million within five years without intervention. The program complements the government's Jobs Guarantee scheme, which intends to support over 90,000 young people into employment over three years. The launch occurs despite retail industry criticism regarding government increases to the minimum wage and national insurance rates, which employers claim have hindered job growth.