Britain’s hospitality brands to create 100,000 NEET jobs under government plan

The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) announced a collaboration with major hospitality employers to create 100,000 paid jobs, work experience. Training for young people aged 18 to 24 who are not in education, employment, or training (NEET). The plan involves brands in the sector and is described as part of broader reforms to help young people access education, training, and work opportunities.

What is happening

Under a new partnership with UKHospitality, leading hospitality brands such as Whitbread, McDonald’s, and Nando’s have committed to offering 100,000 opportunities. These include paid roles, plus work experience and training, targeted at NEET young people aged 18 to 24. The announcement positions the program as a way to widen access to the sector’s jobs and to provide structured pathways into employment, training, and skills development.

Who is affected

The primary group targeted is 18 to 24-year-olds who are not currently in education, employment, or training. The program is described as benefiting these individuals by providing paid employment in hospitality alongside on-the-job training and experience that may help them move into longer-term roles or further education and training.

Practical next steps for readers

Any young person interested in these opportunities should contact career services, local job centers, or the participating employers’ recruitment channels for information about eligibility, how to apply, and the types of roles available. For educators and career advisors, the program may offer new referral routes and work-readiness resources to help students transition into the hospitality sector.

Limits and questions to consider

The announcement summarizes commitments by big brands but does not specify exact job numbers by brand, regional distribution, wage rates, or the duration of the roles. It also does not address long-term retention beyond initial placements, or how success will be measured. Readers should watch for follow-up statements from the DWP or UKHospitality that provide detailed rollout plans, eligibility criteria, and contact points for applicants.

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