Hospitality commits to 100,000 job starts for young people

Britain's hospitality employers have committed to 100,000 first starts for young people not in education, employment or training by the end of this Parliament, UKHospitality reports. The partnership with government covers paid employment as well as work experience and training for 18- to 24-year-olds.

Who is in Initial partners include Whitbread, McDonald's, Nando's, Marriott, Compass, Burger King, Fuller's, Stonegate, Mitchells & Butlers, Wagamama and others. The Morning Advertiser notes that placements of up to four weeks are part of the mix, and that the Department for Work and Pensions has confirmed paid employment sits alongside experience and training.

UKHospitality chief executive Allen Simpson said hospitality is the number one employer of young people in the economy, and that expanding access to the Hospitality Skills Passport will be a significant pillar of the work. The partnership is open to more businesses joining.

Stonegate Group chief executive David McDowall said hospitality has a unique ability to give young people their first opportunity in work, pointing to his own start as part-time bar staff at 18.

What it means for operators: a pipeline of first-job starts only works if site managers have time to induct and rotas can absorb short placements. If you want in, plan the buddying and the paperwork before the first starter arrives.