UK PM Burnham unveils plan for 10,000 youth work experience placements

UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham visited a Sainsbury's store on Tuesday to highlight the retailer's initiative aimed at tackling youth unemployment. Sainsbury's announced that from October it will offer work experience and skills sessions for young people aged 14 and over across England, Wales and Scotland, with a focus on communities with high numbers of young people not in education, employment or training, known as Neets.

The scheme will run for a year and is intended to help young people build confidence, gain practical experience and get a foothold in the job market. Burnham urged other businesses to follow Sainsbury's example, saying access to opportunity and work experience should not depend on personal connections but should be available to every young person regardless of where they live. He said a national effort was needed to address youth unemployment, alongside reforms to the education system that would give young people both academic and technical routes.

Energy bills continue to climb

Separately, energy regulator Ofgem announced that the price cap will rise by 4% from October, reaching its highest level in three years. About 22 million households will see typical annual gas and electricity costs reach £1,723. The increase follows soaring global energy prices linked in part to the war involving Iran.

Energy Secretary Miatta Fahnbulleh said the government is examining "fundamental reforms", including investment in renewable energy, to bring bills down in the long term. She noted the government has already cut VAT on electricity bills and previously removed £150 in costs for households, while acknowledging frustration that global events keep pushing UK prices higher.