ABM Wins DWP Approval for SWOP Placements in Avolta Stores as 1 Million UK Youth Turn NEET
Updated
Updated · TRBusiness · Aug 5
ABM Wins DWP Approval for SWOP Placements in Avolta Stores as 1 Million UK Youth Turn NEET
1 articles · Updated · TRBusiness · Aug 5
Summary
ABM Experience Solutions has secured approval to run a Department for Work and Pensions SWOP programme in Avolta stores across the UK and Ireland, offering young people retail placements while they remain on benefits.
The scheme ends with a guaranteed interview and is designed as a direct route into work for candidates who need experience to access airport retail jobs.
1 million-plus people aged 16 to 24 were classified as NEET in January-March 2026, while 1.6 million mid- and lower-skilled jobs have disappeared from the UK economy over two decades, ABM said.
ABM said 22% of hires into its Experience Solutions team since 2025 came either straight from education or after more than 12 months of unemployment, which it cited as evidence travel retail can absorb entry-level workers.
Airport retail still carries compliance hurdles for younger recruits, but ABM said employers, airports and government can turn the sector into a broader employment pathway if recruitment and access barriers are eased.