Britain's leading hospitality businesses have committed to hiring 100,000 young people who are not in education, employment or training, under a partnership with the government announced on 15 October 2026. The Department for Work and Pensions says the roles will be paid jobs, offered over three years to people aged 18 to 24. This is a programme pledge, not a single vacancy: no single closing date, salary figure or application portal has been announced.

Who is taking part, and what is on offer

The companies named in the announcement include Whitbread, McDonald's, Nando's, Marriott, Compass, Burger King, Parkdean Resorts, Haven, Fuller's, Merlin Entertainments, Stonegate Group, Mitchells and Butler, Wagamama, Sodexo, WSH Limited and De Vere. The opportunities are described as a mix of paid employment, work experience and training, aimed at helping young people build skills, confidence and experience.

Why hospitality, and why now

Hospitality is one of the largest employers of young people in the UK, and the government frames the pledge as part of a wider drive against youth inactivity. Its announcement follows a similar 100,000-opportunity commitment from major retailers last month, and sits alongside the Youth Guarantee, hiring incentives for employers and an expanded Hospitality Skills Passport.

A pledge, not a job in hand

A pledge is not the same as a job in hand. Young people interested should watch the named employers' careers pages rather than waiting for a single application window that has not been announced.

Sources: GOV.UK / Department for Work and Pensions, The Caterer.