Starbucks UK has become the latest business to join the Movement to Work initiative, a programme committed to fight youth unemployment in the UK.
Starting in London, Manchester and Birmingham, the coffee chain will be offering around 400 placements to young people throughout the year. Starbucks will be adopting the scheme in conjunction with their existing programme for 16 to 24 year olds, which gives young people a chance to take placements, volunteer and take part in employability workshops to help them achieve permanent employment.
Simon Redfern, vice president of corporate affairs at Starbucks commented: “As a business, we are committed to tackling youth unemployment, while young people make up our DNA - over 50% of our partners (employees) are under the age of 25.
“Movement to Work is a fantastic scheme, which provides us with the opportunity to collaborate with like-minded employers and help tackle this important issue.”
It is estimated that that youth unemployment could cost the country up to £28billion over the next decade. With unemployment in 16 to 24 year olds currently standing at 40%, Movement to Work looks to professionally develop the 865,000 young people currently out of work and education.
Since the Government, Trade Union Congress and Confederation of British Industry backed scheme was started in October 2013, Movement to Work has achieved over 50,000 work placements.
Victoria Cope, supply chain lead at Movement to Work said: “To date we have bought over 250 organisations together under the Movement to Work umbrella. Their placement programmes create insight and valuable steps into sustainable careers for the UK’s young unemployed people.
“So far, over 50% of placements have resulted in employment. We are delighted to have Starbucks come on board and offer even greater options for aspiring young people, enabling them to develop their confidence and enhance their employability.”