Salford KFCs team up with youth charity to offer new work skills programme

Two KFC restaurants in Salford have teamed up with a charity to offer a new work skills programme to young people struggling to find employment.

Rossal Way and Regent Road KFCs have taken part in the new regional ‘Hatch’ initiative with charity, YouthUK, after new figures suggest that nearly three in four (70%) of young people in Greater Manchester say that the cost-of-living crisis has increased barriers to finding work.

The ‘Hatch’ initiative offers those aged 16-24 most in need with 1-2-1 training, support, and practical work experience, with an interview at KFC on graduation.

Meg Farren, General Manager, KFC UK & Ireland, said: “Young people today are facing greater challenges than ever before. The pandemic took away crucial skills and career development opportunities – now, they’re faced with a cost-of-living crisis and an uncertain economy, making it that much harder to land their first job.

“There are buckets of talent across the UK, but all too often young people are cut out of accessing opportunities. That needs to change.

“That’s why we’re excited to be bringing our employability programme Hatch in Manchester, to invest in the next generation and help unlock the potential of those who’ve faced barriers to employment.”

To help reduce the barriers young people face across the UK, KFC and UK Youth are calling on government to work more closely with businesses to ensure young people are being equipped with the skills that will help them thrive in the workplace.

They are also calling for a joined-up strategy that brings together businesses with local authorities, job centres and youth work organisations to better connect young people with job and training opportunities in their local area.

Jacob Diggle, Director of Strategy, Research and Impact at UK Youth, said: “The lingering effects of the pandemic and the ongoing cost of living crisis are having a damaging impact on the employment prospects of young people. We cannot ignore the concerns of the next generation as they attempt to enter the world of work – their success is crucial to the success of our economy and our country.

For more information on the scheme, visit Rossall Way or Regent Road KFC.