UK retailers, DWP launch 100k youth work placements to cut NEET numbers

Over 40 UK retailers, including M&S and John Lewis, will partner with the DWP to offer 100,000 two-to-four-week placements for 18-24 year olds not in employment, education, or training over three years. The initiative aims to address persistent youth unemployment, though placement-to-job conversion rates remain unquantified. This marks a notable public-private workforce intervention ahead of potential political scrutiny.