Chris Clarkson MP joins M&S and Percy Pig at parliamentary reception

Chris Clarkson MP with Percy Pig

Heywood and Middleton MP Chris Clarkson attended a reception at Parliament to celebrate the 10,000 young people who have completed the Marks & Start M&S work placement programme since 2013.

Mr Clarkson joined M&S colleagues from across the UK, representatives from The Prince’s Trust, Secretary of State for Work and Pensions Therese Coffey and even Percy Pig for a reception in the House of Parliament in Westminster.

The event highlighted how M&S’ partnership with The Prince’s Trust helps support skills development and creates new job opportunities across the UK.

Marks & Start is a work placement programme that helps people from disadvantaged communities who face barriers entering the workforce.

The current format of the programme has run since 2013 where young people (16–30-year-olds) undertake a four-week placement to gain practical retail experience and skills working alongside a buddy.

During the programme they also complete employability training as well as M&S learning to equip them with the skills and behaviours to enhance future employment prospects. Those that successfully complete the placement are offered a 16-hour fixed-term contract. 81% of the young people who complete the programme go on to continue working for M&S.

Mr Clarkson said: “Now more than ever it’s important that we remove barriers to work for those who want to get on in life. The work done by Marks & Spencer and the Prince’s Trust is so important in making sure that people in our communities have the skills and opportunities they need to succeed.”

Jonathan Townsend, CEO at The Prince’s Trust, added: “It is a very proud moment to celebrate the 10,000 young people who have been supported over the past 18 years through the partnership between The Prince’s Trust and Marks and Spencer.

“Across the UK, there are too many young people lacking the confidence and skills they need, and who are not in employment, training or education. Therefore it remains crucial that we work with partners such as Marks and Spencer that, through the Marks and Start programme and more recently through the Kickstart scheme, can help disengaged young people develop the skills and experience they need to enter the world of work.

“We are grateful to Marks and Spencer for its ongoing commitment to our partnership and look forward to continuing to work closely together in the future.”

Sacha Berendji, Group Property, Store Development and Technology Director commented: “We are delighted to have been able to celebrate the incredible Marks & Start milestone with our inspiring colleagues at Parliament.

“Our partnership with The Prince’s Trust has enabled us to level the playing field for all candidates and give young people the experience and skills to improve their employment prospects.

“We see first-hand the benefits and skillsets that employing young people from different backgrounds can bring to a business day in, day out which is why we will continue to develop our programme to help champion all our applicants.”