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Nestlé UK joins national campaign to help young unemployed into work

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Nestlé factories and offices across the UK are opening up their doors to give young people an opportunity to gain the skills they need to get into work as part of a nationwide campaign to tackle youth unemployment this month as part of the IGD’s Feeding Britain’s Future.

New research conducted by the IGD has revealed that Britain’s unemployed are finding it harder than ever to find work despite the economic recovery. To tackle this, the UK’s food and grocery industry is once again opening its doors to provide free skills training for thousands of unemployed people.

Throughout September, more than 90 young people will visit Nestlé UK sites including the Head Office in Gatwick as well as the Halifax factory –  home to Quality Street, and York factory –  home to Kit Kat. During their time there they will take part in activities including  interview skills training and CV workshops as well as gain an insight to Nestlé and the food manufacturing industry.

Fiona Kendrick, Chairman & CEO of Nestlé UK said:

“At Nestlé we are meeting the challenge of the UK skills gap through the Youth Employment Initiative and our Nestlé Academy. In the UK and Ireland we will create 1,900 employment opportunities across our business by 2016 across all areas of our business and at all levels – from operators on the factory floor to field sales assistants and business management. 

“We believe it is vital that the food and drink industry works together to engage with young people and demonstrate first-hand the diverse and exciting careers we offer. We are very happy to support ‘Feeding Britain’s Future’, a fantastic initiative which helps grow employability and life skills amongst young people on an impressive scale.”

The food and grocery industry is the UK’s biggest private sector employer providing 3.7m – or one in seven – jobs and there are a huge range of careers on offer. Young people will get a chance to learn about crucial employability skills when they attend the Nestlé UK workshops during September.

Joanne Denney-Finch, chief executive, IGD, said:

 

“Despite the UK’s unemployment rate beginning to show some signs of improvement this year, we still have millions of people without work. As the UK’s biggest employer, the food and grocery industry is committed to playing its part in tackling unemployment but more than that, our research shows we need to respond to appeals from the unemployed to gain valuable insight into the roles available in this industry and specific skills required to find jobs in this sector.”

Editors Notes:

Events at Nestlé sites:

Head Office, City Place, Gatwick on Monday 15 September

Nestlé Halifax, on Tuesday 23 September

Nestle York, on Thursday 25 September

For further information or images please contact [email protected] or call on 0208 667 6005