The Giftware Association has joined more than 80 of the UK’s leading retail CEOs in urging the Prime Minister to take immediate action to address growing barriers to youth employment. In a joint letter coordinated by the British Retail Consortium (BRC), industry leaders warn that rising employment costs, increased regulation, and ongoing economic pressures are making it increasingly difficult for businesses to hire young people. The letter highlights the urgent need for government intervention to prevent a deepening youth unemployment crisis and to safeguard vital entry-level job opportunities across the retail sector.
Retail remains one of the most important entry points into the workforce, providing flexible and accessible routes into employment. For many young people, it represents that crucial first step offering skills, experience, and long-term career pathways. However, with hundreds of thousands of retail roles already lost over the past decade, these opportunities are now under significant threat.
As a proud signatory of the letter, Gemma Sault, Managing Director of The Giftware Association, reinforced the importance of protecting these essential pathways into work: "The giftware and wider retail sector plays a vital role in supporting young people into employment, offering accessible and often local opportunities that act as a gateway to long-term careers. However, our members are facing increasing pressure from rising costs and regulatory burdens, making it harder to recruit at entry level. If we are to secure the future of our industry and the next generation of talent, we must ensure businesses are supported to hire, train and invest in young people."
The letter outlines three key actions for Government:
Establish a joint government retail taskforce to simplify and strengthen routes into employment for young people.
Reduce the cost of employing young people to enable businesses to create more entry-level roles.
Ensure employment and skills reforms support, rather than hinder, recruitment and progression.
The Giftware Association, which represents a diverse community of suppliers, designers, and retailers, continues to champion the role of industry in driving growth, innovation and opportunity. Advocacy and government engagement form a core pillar of the Association's mission, ensuring members' voices are heard on the issues that matter most.
Gemma Sault added - "This is a critical moment for collaboration between government and industry. We stand ready to work together to develop practical, scalable solutions that will empower businesses and open doors for young people across the UK. Investing in youth employment is not just good for business – it is essential for building a resilient, skilled and future-ready economy."
The Giftware Association will continue to work closely with partners across retail and government to advocate for policies that support sustainable growth, strengthen the talent pipeline, and ensure the industry remains an accessible and thriving career choice for future generations.
