Today, we have published our 2-Year Impact Report, revealing how employer-led action via our movement is transforming youth employment across the UK.
The report shows that we have delivered an estimated £262 million in gross value added to the UK economy, by creating more than 250,000 pathways into work experience, training and employment.
Our analysis shows that employer-led opportunities, delivered through our network have driven higher employment rates and increased earnings for young people furthest from the labour market. Alongside these individual and social benefits, our work has also 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 not in education, employment or training (NEET), our report highlights both the scale of the challenge and the impact that practical, employer-led collaboration can deliver.
Creating pathways into work since 2013
Since our founding in 2013, we have 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, we have 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.
Our Impact Report highlights a number of evidence-based initiatives already making a difference, including:
- YouthPath – our 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 – our flagship campaign setting the standard for high-quality work experience.
- Next-Gen AI Skills Programme – delivered with Microsoft, Accenture and LinkedIn, equipping 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.
Impact Report launch event
We launched the report today 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 our Steering Group, plays a key role in shaping and championing this collective approach.
Barry O’Sullivan, Managing Director of Diageo Great Britain, said:
“As a member of Movement to Work’s Steering Group, Diageo is proud to work alongside other business leaders to drive scalable and sustainable solutions for young people. By working together, we are not only creating meaningful opportunities but also generating lasting economic value for communities and the wider economy. Events like today’s Impact Report launch showcase how employers can lead change and help tackle youth unemployment across the UK.”
The launch event also provided a platform for employers, youth organisations and our Youth Ambassadors to share their experiences directly with policymakers, reinforcing the importance of coordinated employer action, high-quality work experience and clear skills pathways.
That’s why we’re investing £1.5 billion to get hundreds of thousands of young people earning or learning – expanding apprenticeships and training opportunities across the country.
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.”
Our Chief Executive, Sareena Bains, said:
“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.”
Looking ahead
Building on the progress and evidence set out in our 2-Year Impact Report, we are now focused on scaling what works and extending the reach of employer-led solutions. We have reaffirmed our 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.
Read the full Impact Report here
