Amazon has pledged to create 30,000 entry-level roles for young people by the end of the decade, in the latest sign of firms rowing in behind the government’s effort to tackle the youth unemployment crisis.
The tech and retail giant has announced its “Youth Promise” programme amid growing concerns about youth joblessness and the number of young people out of education, employment or training (Neet), which is now hovering just under 1m.
Amazon’s jobs pledge will include full-time and seasonal roles, with each job to pay at least £31,000 per year.
John Boumphrey, Amazon UK’s country manager, said: “When I visit our sites, I meet young people who had no idea where to start six months ago.
“For many, Amazon was their first step into work. The Youth Promise is about reaching and supporting more people like them, in the places where those first chances are hardest to find.”
Employers have been rushing to make youth hiring pledges in recent months and pressing government to cut the costs of hiring new workers, which have rocketed since then-Chancellor Rachel Reeves ramped up national insurance contributions at the Budget in 2024.
Retailers including Tesco and Boots led a sector-wide pledge to create 100,000 new jobs, while hospitality firms including McDonald’s and Nando’s last week partnered with the government to offer 100,000 new positions for young people.
Amazon had been bracing for a potential warehouse tax at this month’s Budget, which would have pushed up business rates for online retailers to pay for tax cuts for high street shops.
But the measure was ruled out last week by Chancellor John Healey following widespread pushback from retail bosses, including John Lewis.
Healey is instead set to make online retailers like Amazon responsible for collecting tax from the sellers which use their platforms, a move which was welcomed by the US-based firm.
Work and pensions secretary Pat McFadden said: “[Amazon’s] Youth Promise will help thousands of young people take their first step into work, with good pay, real support and a clear route to progress.
“This is exactly the kind of employer leadership that will reach young people in the communities that need it the most and drive our economy forward.”
Tech firms in work experience pledge
On Wednesday, the government said it would separately offer 10,000 work experience placements in the UK’s digital and tech sector.
The scheme is being backed by some of the country’s biggest tech employers, including Microsoft, Cisco, IBM and Cognizant.
The government said tech companies should back up this programme by offering more full-time roles, urging the sector to provide 20,000 entry-level jobs each year.
Prime Minister Andy Burnham said: “It’s one of the biggest frustrations when you’re starting out. Everyone tells you that you need experience to get a job, but nobody gives you the chance to get that experience in the first place.
“Thousands of young people will get the chance to get their foot in the door in one of the UK’s biggest growth sectors, build their confidence and skills, and get something meaningful on their CV.”
Lisa Nandy, secretary of state for digital, culture, media and sport, said: “Our country is grappling [with] a generational challenge – we cannot and will not let our young people be locked out of the British workforce.
“Getting a good job in our thriving digital and tech industry shouldn’t be determined by where you live or what school you go to.”