Retail is the sector offering the most employment opportunities to young people, with 25% choosing to start their careers in the industry, more than double that of any other according to recent research from M&S.

The job creation brings in around £7.4bn in Gross Value Added, which marks 7% of the retail sector’s overall financial impact in 2024.

The retailer has been operating a Marks & Start employability scheme, which has provided assistance to over 12,000 younger people over the past 20 years.

Moving forward, M&S is calling on the Government to assist with getting more young people into retail work by giving Employer National Insurance Contribution Relief for businesses employing young people.

Marks & Spencer CEO Stuart Machin said: “Retail is a powerful engine of social mobility. At a time when so many young people are struggling to get their foot on the career ladder, this industry can give them that first crucial opportunity – particularly those facing the biggest barriers.

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“As one of the UK’s biggest retail employers, we have already supported more than 12,000 young people through Marks & Start, and we’re committed to doing our bit to get more young people into work. But we can’t do it alone – businesses need more support from the Government to unlock more opportunities for young people.”

According to the retailer, this will enable more job opportunities to open and may create over 100,000 job vacancies, according to The Jobs Foundation.

M&S is also urging the Government to fulfil its Apprenticeship Levy reform so that more funds can be used to pay for employees’ business opportunities.