M&S Research Shows Retail as the Top Career Starting Point for UK Youth — Marks & Start Programme Hits Record Success

M&S Research Shows Retail as the Top Career Starting Point for UK Youth — Marks & Start Programme Hits Record Success

(IN BRIEF) Marks & Spencer (M&S) has revealed that retail is the leading first employer for young people in the UK, with one in four starting their careers in the industry. The company’s Marks & Start programme, developed with The King’s Trust, has reached record outcomes — a 91% completion rate and 88% job placement rate, helping more than 12,000 young people over two decades. Partnering with YoungMinds, M&S has also raised £4.4 million to support mental health initiatives, benefiting 6 million young people. To inspire others, M&S has launched a six-part podcast series with My Duvet Flip, featuring employees who began their careers with the company. CEO Stuart Machin called on the Government to introduce NICs relief and Apprenticeship Levy reforms to expand youth employment opportunities.

(PRESS RELEASE) LONDON, 10-Oct-2025 — /EuropaWire/ — New research commissioned by Marks & Spencer (M&S) reveals that retail is the UK’s leading gateway to employment for young people, with nearly one in four beginning their careers in the industry — more than double that of any other sector. According to the Centre for Economics and Business Research (CEBR), this early employment contributes £7.4 billion in Gross Value Added (GVA), representing 7% of the retail sector’s total economic impact in 2024.

At a time when 948,000 young people are not in employment, education or training (NEET) — the highest level in a decade — and mental health challenges continue to hinder employment prospects, M&S is reinforcing its long-term commitment to youth employability and wellbeing through expanded partnerships and new initiatives.

Empowering Young People Through Marks & Start

For more than 20 years, the Marks & Start employability programme, run in partnership with The King’s Trust, has been a cornerstone of M&S’s youth employment strategy. The scheme provides a four-week work placement to help young people facing barriers to employment gain practical experience, build confidence and develop essential workplace skills.

This year, the programme reached a five-year record high, with 91% of participants completing the placement and 88% securing a permanent, paid position — either at M&S or elsewhere in the retail industry. To date, more than 12,000 young people have benefited from the initiative, and M&S has committed to supporting an additional 2,000 participants over the next three years.

Stuart Machin, CEO of M&S, commented:
“Retail is a powerful engine of social mobility. At a time when many young people are struggling to get their foot on the ladder, this industry provides a vital first opportunity — especially for those facing the biggest challenges. Through Marks & Start, we’ve supported thousands into work, but we need greater collaboration with government to unlock even more opportunities.”

Tackling Mental Health Barriers to Employment

Recognising the role of mental health in employability, M&S has strengthened its partnership with YoungMinds, the UK’s leading youth mental health charity. Together, they’ve revised the Marks & Start training materials to better support participants’ wellbeing.

In just two years, the partnership has raised over £4.4 million, reaching 6 million young people with access to vital mental health resources. M&S has also found that 28% of young people identify mental health as a major obstacle preventing them from applying for jobs.

Jonathan Townsend, CEO of The King’s Trust, said:
“Young people continue to face huge challenges to their employment prospects, but many are eager to work and simply need the right support. Our long-standing partnership with M&S has transformed opportunities for over 12,000 young people, helping them build confidence, skills and brighter futures.”

Inspiring the Next Generation

To further connect with young jobseekers, M&S has teamed up with My Duvet Flip, the UK’s leading careers podcast with a reach of over 1.8 million listeners, for a six-part series featuring real stories from M&S employees who began their careers through Marks & Start and other early career pathways.

Jack Parsons, Founder of My Duvet Flip, said:
“We’re proud to partner with M&S to showcase authentic stories from young people who’ve built their futures in retail. It’s about empowering the next generation to take that first step — and showing them that success is possible, whatever their background.”

One of the podcast guests, Llorayah Timbou-Foucher, shared her experience:

“I joined M&S as a Christmas temp with no idea what to expect. The experience changed my confidence completely and helped me discover a career I love. Sharing my story is my way of encouraging others to take that leap too.”

A Call for Greater Support

M&S is urging the UK Government to work more closely with businesses to create more employment pathways for young people. The company is advocating for Employer NICs relief for firms that hire long-term unemployed or disadvantaged youth, which, according to The Jobs Foundation, could help create over 100,000 jobs. It is also calling for Apprenticeship Levy reform to give employers more flexibility in funding youth training opportunities.

“Retail is dynamic and full of opportunity — whether in fashion, food, finance, or logistics,” added Machin. “If you’re willing to work hard, this is an industry that will give you responsibility early and a real chance to succeed.”

– ENDS –

For further information, please contact:
M&S Corporate Press Office: 
+44 (0)20 8718 1919
corporate.press@marks-and-spencer.com

Notes to editors

About Marks & Start
For over two decades, M&S’ longstanding employability programme – Marks & Start – has provided a clear, accessible route into retail to more than 30,000 people experiencing barriers to employment. The scheme equips its participants with essential skills they need to navigate their first roles, from CV building and interview preparation through to money management. M&S is proud that four out of five participants who have completed the programme have gone on to have a career at M&S [data from December 2024]. Together with The King’s Trust, Marks & Start has helped 12,000 young people into work and is committed to training a further 2,000 in the next three years.

About M&S’ Early Careers Programme
The M&S Early Careers Programme offers ambitious school leavers, graduates and career changers the opportunity to build the skills required to become future leaders in the business. Whichever specialism they choose, participants complete the scheme with the necessary experience needed to manage stores, develop new delicious Food products, or source the highest quality, most sustainable fashion products from all over the world.

Case studies from the Marks & Start and Early Career programme.
Quotes available on request.

Tom Coltman
Store Manager, Bristol Eastgate Simply Food Store
Tom joined the business through the Marks and Start scheme in 2018 and has progressed through a variety of leadership roles, from Team Support Manager to Team Manager to Store Manager where he is today.

Catherine (Kayte) Houghton
Payroll Lead, Salford Quays
Kayte completed the Marks and Start programme in 2009 and started out in an administration role at Colleague Services. Kayte is now the payroll lead, responsible for delivering the payroll for 65K colleagues with a team of 8 Analysts.

Jhorvis Tyrell
Warehouse Operative, Castle Dorington
Jhorvis joined the Marks & Start scheme in 2020. Jhorvis was born with a disability affecting his vision, learning ability and confidence. Jhorvis is now a key part of the team at M&S’ largest distribution centre in Fashion, Home & Beauty – Castle Donnington. In 2021, Jhorvis won The King’s Trust Rising Star Award which was presented to him by HRH King Charles.

Llorayah Timbou
Retail Degree Apprentice 2024
Llorayah is currently on the Retail Degree Apprenticeship programme.

Alice Grennan
Fashion, Home & Beauty Graduate 2024
Alice is in her third rotation of the programme of the Fashion, Home & Beauty Early Careers programme.

Kate Goolnik
Foods Leader 2024
In her third rotation of the Foods Leader programme, having come internally through store.

SOURCE: Marks and Spencer