According to the latest ONS data, London now has the highest rate of youth unemployment in the UK, with 24.6% of 16–24-year-olds out of work. This equates to approximately 135,000 young people unemployed between November and January, underlining the scale of the challenge facing the capital.

Traditionally, sectors such as hospitality and retail have provided vital entry points into the workforce for young people. However, opportunities in these industries are declining.

Trade body UK Hospitality estimates that around 100,000 jobs have been lost in the sector since the Autumn 2024 Budget. The Craft Guild of Chefs believes this has been driven by unprecedented cost pressures for businesses, including rising wages and increased employer National Insurance contributions.

Against this backdrop, the Craft Guild of Chefs is playing a crucial role in supporting pathways into employment. Working closely with Capital City College and industry partners, the Guild is helping to equip young people with the practical skills, training, and confidence needed to pursue careers in hospitality.

The Craft Guild of Chefs offers a scholarship programme to young chefs worth £5,000, enabling recipients to gain invaluable work experience in top professional kitchens.

Andrew Green, chief executive of The Craft Guild of Chefs, said: “We believe work experience can be the turning point in helping young people understand careers and build confidence. Our Young Chef Scholarship programme supports young chefs to secure stages or work placements at top tier restaurants around the globe.”

Francisco Brewer as the winner of the inaugural Young Chef Scholarship and Liberty Sanders was announced as the most recent recipient. The Craft Guild of Chefs is also highlighting the important role employers can play in supporting young people who are NEET (Not in Employment, Education or Training).

Green added: “Hospitality remains one of the most accessible and opportunity-rich industries for those starting out. Employers can make a significant difference by offering flexible opportunities and supportive environments that help young people take their first step into work.

“Crucially, businesses do not need large-scale programmes—simple actions such as offering short placements or work experience can have a meaningful impact. Hospitality is a brilliant industry which offers accessible routes to get started. It is open, inclusive, and full of opportunity. Even in a challenging jobs market, we must continue to create pathways for young people to enter and thrive in our sector.”

Despite ongoing pressures on the hospitality industry, the Craft Guild of Chefs remains committed to supporting the next generation and ensuring that young people across London can access meaningful and rewarding careers.

The Craft Guild of Chefs is calling for continued collaboration between employers, education providers, and policymakers to protect opportunities for young people and support the long-term future of the sector.