Retail and hospitality have traditionally provided first jobs to huge numbers of young people on the shop floor, behind a bar, working in a kitchen, or waitering.
These are sectors dear to my heart because of my background with Nestlé. And like so many of my peers, who feel incredibly grateful for all the rewarding experiences work has given us, I worry about the next generation.
I feel strongly that the rise in young people not in education, employment or training (NEET) makes it more important than ever that retail and hospitality keeps opening doors to career starters. It’s a conviction shared by Skills England which is prioritising helping young people into work.
With that in mind, our recent roundtable asked employers and sector representatives what the barriers are to young people working in retail and hospitality.
A sector facing significant pressures
The resulting discussion revealed plenty of willingness to support young people – but obstacles too that we’re determined to help overcome.
For example, they said rising costs, tight margins, energy prices, business rates and other financial pressures mean many businesses must focus on day-to-day survival, leaving little scope for workforce planning. These pressures are particularly felt by smaller businesses.
Work experience and other ways of engaging with young people
There was shared concern about too many young people reaching adulthood without exposure to the workplace. Participants were generally supportive about the idea of providing work experience - but some felt uncertain about safety rules, for example with using bar and kitchen equipment.
We also heard success stories about businesses reaching NEETs through new partnerships. For instance, a Sector-based Work Academy Programme (SWAP) in Gillingham is bringing together employers, JobCentre Plus, and training providers to introduce jobseekers aged 16 and over, and claiming benefits, to hospitality.
Challenges with language around skills and navigating the system
Employers spoke about the variety of potential challenges with young people who could for instance lack confidence, have little understanding of workplace expectations, or be dealing with personal issues like poor mental health. They were eager for guidance and support with how to handle different issues.
Business leaders stressed the importance of softer skills, alongside technical skills. They observed employers and young people often use different language to describe the skills they need and have – like punctuality and communication relevant to selling on a shop floor.
They also reflected on challenges businesses, particularly SMEs without HR teams, face with complexities of the skills system. Recruiting managers want clearer explanation of available training, costs, commitments and outcomes.
Action being taken and support available
Skills England recently published the Employability Skills Framework, which is available for everyone to use. Developed with The King's Trust, Youth Futures Foundation and employer networks, it will support young people who struggle to explain how their experiences translate into skills relevant to work, as well as employers who find it difficult to identify potential in candidates with limited employment history. It will help create shared understanding - by explaining what core employability skills mean in practice, how young people can demonstrate and employers recognise them.
Better entry routes are also being provided into work. Recently launched foundation apprenticeships, for catering and hospitality and retail, are aimed at young people who could benefit from extra confidence-building or work experience before taking a full apprenticeship. Our Occupational Maps show how different training options can lead to career progression.
The Milburn Review, which has been looking at the increase in numbers of young people who are NEET, is preparing to publish its full report. And a major initiative between government and leading retailers - including Tesco, John Lewis, and Costa Coffee – has set an ambition to create up to 100,000 jobs for young people.
Finally, charities like Springboard, which focuses on hospitality, do a good job with helping young people build confidence and skills needed for rewarding careers.
Thank you!
I want to say a huge thanks to everyone who took part in our round table. It’s vital that retail and hospitality continues to provide rewarding job opportunities for young people. In fact, we need you more than ever. The employers and sector representatives we spoke to were supportive - but stressed the pressures they’re facing too. Skills England recognises this, which is why we’re listening and determined to help as much as we can.
Dame Fiona Kendrick
Skills England board member
Former Chair and CEO of Nestlé UK & Ireland