Youth employment charity Movement to Work has delivered an estimated £262 million in value to the UK economy, creating more than 250,000 pathways into work experience, training and employment, new findings reveal in its 2-Year Impact Report.
The analysis shows that employer-led opportunities delivered through Movement to Work have driven higher employment rates and increased earnings for young people furthest from the labour market, generating significant benefits for individuals, communities and the wider economy. Alongside this, the charity’s work has delivered 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), the report highlights both the scale of the challenge and the impact that practical, business-led collaboration can deliver when employers work together to open pathways into work.
Since its 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, more than 250,000 work-based opportunities have been delivered through the Movement, supporting young people to build skills, confidence and experience while helping employers strengthen early-career pipelines.
The report highlights a number of 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 – Movement to Work’s 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.
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 Movement to Work’s Steering Group, plays a key role in shaping and championing this collective approach.
Barry O’Sullivan, Managing Director, Diageo Great Britain, commented: “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 Movement to Work Youth Ambassadors to share their experiences directly with policymakers, reinforcing the importance of coordinated employer action, high-quality work experience and clear skills pathways.
The event was attended by the Minister for Employment, the Rt Hon Dame Diana Johnson, who delivered a keynote address on opening pathways into work for young people.
Reflecting on the event, Dame Diana Johnson, Minister for Employment, said: “This Government refuses to accept a generation of young people being left behind.
“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.”
Sareena Bains, CEO of Movement to Work, added “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 and evidence 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. Looking ahead, the organisation has reaffirmed its ambition to create the next 250,000 opportunities by 2032, strengthening its shared commitment with employers, partners and young people to unlock potential, open pathways into work and help build a fairer future.”
