Amazon creates 30,000 youth jobs to solve Neets crisis

Amazon will establish 30,000 entry-level positions for young people by 2030, part of an effort to help the UK curb youth unemployment. The online retail and technology giant also plans to provide 10,000 work experience placements through the pledge, focusing on regions "with the least opportunities". The announcement follows a warning from prime minister Andy Burnham earlier this week that the country confronts an "economic catastrophe and moral failure" because of the large number of young people not in education, employment or training, known as Neets. Latest figures show nearly one million people aged 16 to 24 are in that category.

Support Before, During and After Applying

Amazon said its commitment will include dedicated assistance to help applicants before, during and after the job application process. John Boumphrey, Amazon UK country manager, said: “When I visit our sites, I meet young people who had no idea where to start six months ago. “They didn’t have a CV. They didn’t have experience. What they had was a positive attitude and a willingness to learn. For many, Amazon was their first step into work. “The youth promise is about reaching and supporting more people like them, in the places where those first chances are hardest to find.” Work and Pensions Secretary Pat McFadden said: “This Government’s mission is to get Britain working, which is why we are backing employers who share our ambition to create opportunity in every part of the country. “It’s great to see Amazon joining the growing number of major businesses backing our youth guarantee to give every young person the chance to earn or learn. “Their youth promise will help thousands of young people take their first step into work, with good pay, real support and a clear route to progress.”

TechFirst Placements Rolled Out

The news came as the Government expanded access to tech sector work placements for 10,000 young people nationwide. Every secondary school can now access the Government programme TechFirst, with ambitions to reach one million students by 2028. Major technology employers, among them Microsoft, Cisco, IBM, Arm and Kainos, have said they support the drive. Mr Burnham said: “Thousands of young people will get the chance to get their foot in the door in one of the UK’s biggest growth sectors, build their confidence and skills, and get something meaningful on their CV. “Our job is to back this generation, open those doors and give every young person a fair chance to build a good future for themselves, wherever they come from.”