UK government and hospitality sector partner to provide 100,000 youth jobs

The Department for Work and Pensions has partnered with industry group UKHospitality and major employers to create 100,000 paid jobs over the next three years, according to an announcement on October 15, 2026.

The initiative targets young people aged 18 to 24 in the United Kingdom who are currently not in education, employment, or training. Alongside paid roles, participating employers will offer structured work experience and training programs to help participants gain skills and build CVs.

A wide range of restaurant, hotel, and catering operators have committed to the program. Participating brands include Whitbread, McDonald's, Nando's, Marriott, Compass Group, Burger King, Parkdean Resorts, Haven, Fuller's, Merlin Entertainments, Stonegate Group, Mitchells & Butlers, Wagamama, Sodexo, WSH Limited, and De Vere.

Wider reforms and youth unemployment context

The government noted that hospitality is currently the largest employer of young people in the country. Over 1 million young people aged 16 to 24 in the UK are currently not in education, employment, or training.

To address wider factors behind youth unemployment, the government launched a review of school exclusions. Figures published on GOV.UK show that pupils who are persistently absent from school are nearly four times more likely to become unemployed or drop out of education later in life.

Work and Pensions Secretary Pat McFadden highlighted the role of the sector in introducing young people to employment. "Hospitality has long provided young people with a route into the world of work," McFadden said in a press release.

"I’m delighted that the industry is helping unemployed young people get their first step on the ladder and build their careers," McFadden added, noting that the UK employment rate is currently the second highest in the G7.

Skills development and growth

Allen Simpson, Chief Executive of UKHospitality, welcomed the joint initiative. "Hospitality is the number one employer of young people in the economy, providing valuable and rewarding routes into work," Simpson said.

"This announcement demonstrates the Government’s recognition of hospitality as a critical sector to solve the NEETs crisis and we’re pleased to work together on this partnership to target 100,000 job opportunities for NEET young people, as well as on creating the right conditions for growth," Simpson said.

The partnership will also expand access to support for the Hospitality Skills Passport, which UKHospitality stated will form a major pillar of ongoing efforts to support young workers in the sector.