New retail work placements could help young people take their first step into work

The Opening Shift programme aims to create up to 100,000 placements over the next three years for 18–24-year-olds who are not currently in education, employment or training.

More than 40 retailers are taking part, including John Lewis, Marks & Spencer, Asda, Tesco, New Look, Wickes, Currys, Greggs and Pets at Home - many of which have stores in Milton Keynes.

Young people will be able to complete a placement lasting between two and four weeks. They will receive support from a workplace buddy, gain practical experience and be guaranteed an interview at the end. People taking part will continue receiving Universal Credit whilst completing the placement.

Milton Keynes has a younger population and a major retail sector. The City Council wants local young people to benefit from the scheme and to develop skills that could open doors across retail, hospitality and other growing industries.

Building these skills now will also help Milton Keynes prepare for future growth in its visitor economy. If the city’s bid to become UK City of Culture 2029 is successful, it could bring more visitors, investment and employment opportunities to MK.

Universal Studios is also expected to open near Bedford in 2031, creating around 8,000 jobs in its first year. These developments could lead to further opportunities across hotels, hospitality, leisure, retail and the night-time economy.

Lib Dem Councillor Peter Cannon, Cabinet Member for Children and Young People, said:

“This is a really positive opportunity for young people in Milton Keynes who are struggling to take that first step into work.

“Too many young people find themselves in a difficult position where they need experience to get a job but need an employer to give them a chance to gain that experience. These placements will help young people build their confidence, develop practical skills and show employers what they can offer.”

Labour Councillor Lauren Townsend, Deputy Leader of Milton Keynes City Council and Cabinet Member for Skills, added:

“Skills such as communication, teamwork and customer service are valuable across many different careers – not only in retail, but also in hospitality, leisure and the wider visitor economy. With major new employment opportunities coming to our region, including those connected to Universal, we need young people to develop these skills now, so they are ready to benefit.”

Leader of Milton Keynes City Council, Councillor Jane Carr and Cabinet Member for Economy, said:

“Milton Keynes has a strong retail sector and an economy that continues to grow. We want our young people to be at the heart of that growth. Our City of Culture Bid and the arrival of Universal could bring more visitors and create further opportunities for shops, hotels, restaurants and other local businesses.

“Preparing our future workforce can’t wait until those opportunities arrive. We need to give young people the experience, confidence and skills they need now. Helping young people develop their skills and begin their careers is good for them, good for employers and good for our economy.”

The Opening Shift programme is being developed by the Department for Work and Pensions and the British Retail Consortium. Placements will be accessed through Jobcentre Plus, with further local information expected as the programme is introduced.