The Department for Work and Pensions announced on 15 October 2026 a partnership with UKHospitality under which major employers will provide 100,000 paid jobs over three years for 18 to 24 year olds who are not in education, employment or training (NEET). The employers will also offer work experience and training opportunities. The government names the Hospitality Skills Passport as the route for training and employment pathways.
TL;DR · LAST REVIEWED The Department for Work and Pensions announced on 15 October 2026 a partnership with UKHospitality under which major employers will provide 100,000 paid jobs over three years for 18 to 24 year olds who are not in education, employment or training (NEET). The employers will also offer work experience and training opportunities. The government names the Hospitality Skills Passport as the route for training and employment pathways.
- The DWP announced on 15 October 2026 a partnership with UKHospitality for 100,000 paid jobs over three years for 18 to 24 year olds who are NEET.
- Employers will also offer work experience and training opportunities.
- Named employers include Whitbread, McDonald's, Nando's, Marriott, Compass, Burger King, Parkdean Resorts, Haven, Fuller's, Merlin Entertainments, Stonegate Group, Mitchells and Butlers, Wagamama, Sodexo, WSH Limited and De Vere.
- The government cites Alan Milburn's interim review finding almost one million young people affected by youth inactivity.
KEY FACTS
- Jobs: 100,000 paid jobs over three years
- Who for: 18 to 24 year olds not in education, employment or training (NEET)
- Partner: UKHospitality and major hospitality employers
- Also offered: Work experience and training
- Funding: Extra £2.5 billion for the Youth Guarantee and Growth and Skills Levy
- Announced: 15 October 2026, DWP
The announcement
The Department for Work and Pensions announced on 15 October 2026 a partnership with UKHospitality under which major employers will provide 100,000 paid jobs over three years for 18 to 24 year olds who are not in education, employment or training (NEET). The employers will also offer work experience and training opportunities. The government names the Hospitality Skills Passport as the route for training and employment pathways. The release does not set out how individuals apply.
The partnership is between the Department for Work and Pensions and UKHospitality. Under the arrangement, major employers will provide 100,000 paid jobs over three years for 18 to 24 year olds who are NEET. Work experience and training opportunities will also be offered by the employers.
Who is involved
The employers named by the government are Whitbread, McDonald's, Nando's, Marriott, Compass, Burger King, Parkdean Resorts, Haven, Fuller's, Merlin Entertainments, Stonegate Group, Mitchells and Butlers, Wagamama, Sodexo, WSH Limited and De Vere. They will also offer work experience and training opportunities.
The partnership with UKHospitality involves these employers providing 100,000 paid jobs over three years for 18 to 24 year olds who are NEET.
Why
The government cites Alan Milburn's interim review, which found almost one million young people affected by youth inactivity. According to the release, nearly 6 in 10 NEET young people have never had a job, and pupils who are persistently absent from school (absent 10% of the time or more) are 3.9 times more likely to become NEET.
The release states that nearly 6 in 10 NEET young people have never had a job. Pupils who are persistently absent from school (absent 10% of the time or more) are 3.9 times more likely to become NEET. The partnership with UKHospitality will provide 100,000 paid jobs over three years for 18 to 24 year olds who are NEET.
How it fits
The government says it is investing an additional £2.5 billion in the Youth Guarantee and the Growth and Skills Levy. Merlin Entertainments already has a commitment to create 300 jobs across its UK attractions through the Youth Guarantee. The government says access to the Hospitality Skills Passport, the route for training and employment pathways in the sector, will be expanded.
An additional £2.5 billion is being invested in the Youth Guarantee and the Growth and Skills Levy, according to the government.
Source: DWP: hospitality brands partner to deliver 100,000 jobs for NEET young people.
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DISCLAIMER
This article reports a government announcement. It is general information, not careers or benefits advice.
Frequently asked questions
What was announced on 15 October 2026?
The Department for Work and Pensions announced a partnership with UKHospitality under which major employers will provide 100,000 paid jobs over three years for 18 to 24 year olds who are not in education, employment or training (NEET).
Which employers are named by the government?
Whitbread, McDonald's, Nando's, Marriott, Compass, Burger King, Parkdean Resorts, Haven, Fuller's, Merlin Entertainments, Stonegate Group, Mitchells and Butlers, Wagamama, Sodexo, WSH Limited and De Vere.
What else will the employers offer?
The employers will also offer work experience and training opportunities.
What figures does the government cite?
The government cites Alan Milburn's interim review, which found almost one million young people affected by youth inactivity. According to the release, nearly 6 in 10 NEET young people have never had a job, and pupils who are persistently absent from school (absent 10% of the time or more) are 3.9 times more likely to become NEET.
How does this fit with other programmes?
The government says it is investing an additional £2.5 billion in the Youth Guarantee and the Growth and Skills Levy. Merlin Entertainments already has a commitment to create 300 jobs across its UK attractions through the Youth Guarantee.
SOURCES
