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Youth Opportunities Deliver £262m Boost to the UK Economy

Young people at a Movement to Work event
4 February 2026
Movement to Work has published its 2-Year Impact Report, revealing how employer-led action is transforming youth employment across the UK. The report demonstrates delivery of an estimated £262 million in gross value added through creation of more than 250,000 pathways into work experience, training and employment.
The analysis shows that employer-led opportunities delivered through the network have driven higher employment rates and increased earnings for young people furthest from the labour market. Alongside individual and social benefits, the work has generated an estimated £37.5 million in fiscal savings, largely through reduced reliance on welfare. With almost one million young people across the UK currently NEET, the report highlights both the scale of the challenge and the impact that practical, employer-led collaboration can deliver.

Since founding in 2013, Movement to Work has worked with employers, partners and government to break the 'no experience, no job' cycle by creating high-quality early-career opportunities at no cost to young people. To date, the organisation has delivered more than 250,000 work-based opportunities, supporting young people to build skills, confidence and experience while helping employers strengthen early-career talent pipelines.

The Impact Report highlights several evidence-based initiatives already making a difference, including YouthPath — a place-based approach delivered with regional government and local employers, now live in the West Midlands, Liverpool City Region and Greater Manchester. Work Experience Works, the organisation's flagship campaign, sets the standard for high-quality work experience. Additionally, a Next-Gen AI Skills Programme delivered with Microsoft, Accenture and LinkedIn equips young people with digital and AI skills through DWP Youth Hubs and football clubs, in partnership with the English Football League and the Premier League.

The report was launched at Diageo's London headquarters, bringing together employers, youth organisations, young people and policymakers to highlight the role of employer leadership in tackling youth unemployment at scale. Diageo, a member of the Steering Group, plays a key role in shaping and championing this collective approach.

Movement to Work is exactly the kind of scheme that's making a real difference, connecting young people with the skills they need to build their futures.
Dame Diana Johnson, Minister for Employment

Sareena Bains, Chief Executive of Movement to Work, reflected on the achievement: 'Over the past two years, we've seen the power of collaboration — when employers, partners and government unite around a common purpose. Our Impact Report shows the scale of our progress and the practical solutions changing young people's lives and delivering lasting economic value. We are committed to sustaining this momentum and taking the action needed to work together to tackle youth unemployment.'

Building on the progress set out in the 2-Year Impact Report, Movement to Work is now focused on scaling what works and extending the reach of employer-led solutions. The organisation has reaffirmed its ambition to create the next 250,000 opportunities by 2032 — working with employers, partners and young people to unlock potential, open pathways into work and help build a fairer future.