Back in June, we asked hospitality employers a simple question.
Could you create Just One Job?
Not ten. Not a hundred. Just one meaningful opportunity for a young person to take their first step into employment.
Following this week's Budget, I know that question has become even harder to answer.
And I say that not just as the CEO of a hospitality training provider, but as an employer myself.
At Umbrella Training, we face the same rising employment costs, National Insurance contributions, wage pressures and difficult decisions about recruitment and investment.
We understand what it means to look at the numbers before making a commitment to employ someone.
But we also understand what it means to give someone their first chance.
This year, we welcomed two young people into our own business after receiving 200 applications. The talent, enthusiasm and potential we saw throughout that process reminded us just how many young people are waiting for someone to open a door.
Tommy and Jessica, our two new Administration Assistants, Level 2
So we're building on the message we started in June.
We're launching the Just One Job Pledge.
A national invitation to employers across hospitality to consider creating just one paid opportunity for a young person aged 16–24.
Not because it's easy.
Not because the Government has made it particularly affordable.
But because we know the extraordinary difference that one opportunity can make.
And we're not asking employers to do something we're unwilling to do ourselves.
We also recognise that a pledge alone isn't enough. Employers need practical support, especially now.
Through our long-established Umbrella Employ FREE Vacancy Matching Service, we've been helping employers connect with people looking for meaningful opportunities in hospitality.
And through our Careers & Talent team, we can help businesses understand the grants, apprenticeship incentives and funding support available to eligible employers, making it easier to invest in the next generation.
We're not creating another recruitment campaign. We're building on the work we've been doing for years and inviting the wider industry to be part of it.
This isn't about signing up to an Umbrella apprenticeship programme or becoming one of our clients.
It's about our industry coming together to give the next generation a future.
We cannot ignore the financial realities facing our industry. Nor can we ignore the young people who need us.
One employer. One opportunity. One future.
Could you pledge Just One Job?
