Question to the Department for Work and Pensions:

To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, with reference to the Department for Work and Pensions press release entitled Britain's biggest hospitality brands partner with Government to deliver 100,000 jobs for NEET young people, published on 15 October 2026, what proportion of participants are expected to remain in paid employment for at least (a) six months and (b) 12 months after starting an opportunity through the partnership.

With around one million young people not in education, employment and training, this Government will not leave an entire generation of young people behind. The Government is investing an additional £2.5 billion by 2029 into the Youth Guarantee and the Growth and Skills Levy.

This investment will support almost one million young people and create up to 500,000 opportunities to earn and learn, including through an expanded network of Youth Hubs, earlier intensive support in Jobcentres through a new Youth Guarantee Gateway, additional work experience and training opportunities, a £3,000 Youth Jobs Grant and £2,000 apprenticeship hiring payment for employers, and a fully funded six month job for long-term unemployed 18–24-year-olds.

A central part of the Youth Guarantee is working with employers to create more opportunities for young people. Leading hospitality businesses, including Whitbread, McDonald's, Nando's, Marriott, Compass, Burger King and Wagamama, have committed to providing over 100,000 jobs to 18-24-year old young people who are Not in Education, Employment, or Training (NEET) by the end of the Parliament. This is an employer commitment to recruit young people into jobs. There is no additional cost to the taxpayer from the scheme. The commitment is driving NEET recruitment through employers’ existing channels, as well as encouraging take-up of existing Government employment and skills provisions.

These job opportunities will be delivered through direct recruitment and a hospitality training programme that provides disadvantaged young people sector-specific experience, a guaranteed interview and a 'Hospitality Skills Passport'. The Hospitality Skills passport certifies to new hospitality employers that participants have the skills needed to succeed in the sector.

Alongside these jobs, participating employers will provide additional work experience placements, supported by Jobcentres, to help young people gain the skills and experience they need to move into employment. Participants will continue to receive ongoing Universal Credit and work coach support throughout their placement, while employers will provide the placement, induction, uniforms and a dedicated workplace "buddy" for every participant.

DWP will also be working with UKHospitality and Mayoral Strategic Authorities to expand access to the Hospitality Skills Passport, funded through the Adult Skills Fund, through approved colleges and training providers.