The UK government has announced a nationwide expansion of its Jobs Guarantee scheme for young people, following successful regional trials.
The British government announced on Saturday that it would expand a programme to provide guaranteed jobs to young people and extend it nationwide as part of measures to address the problem of youth unemployment.
Accounting for 13% of the age group as a whole, Britain had 981,000 people aged 16-24 not in employment, education or training in the second quarter of this year.
Key Details of the Scheme Expansion:
Target Audience: Aimed at eligible 18-to-24-year-olds in Great Britain who are claiming Universal Credit and looking for work.
National Rollout:
Following initial trials in select areas (such as parts of Greater Manchester, the West Midlands, Scotland, and Wales), the program is rolling out across all areas of Great Britain, targeting over 90,000 young people furthest from the labor market.
Job Terms:
Participants are guaranteed a fully-funded, six-month job working up to 25 hours a week at the relevant national minimum wage. The government covers the wage costs, employer National Insurance, and pension contributions.
Accelerated Access:
Starting in April, the eligibility threshold will shorten—allowing young people to access the jobs guarantee scheme after 12 months on Universal Credit instead of the previous 18-month requirement.
Young people receiving the health element of Universal Credit will also be able to participate on a voluntary basis.
Tailored Support:
Local delivery partners work with participants before and during their placement to build confidence, match skills, and provide on-the-job mentoring.
The expansion forms a core part of the government’s broader strategy to tackle rising youth economic inactivity and rein in long-term welfare costs.
The programme offers 25 hours a week of paid work for six months, funded by the government. It will now be available across all areas of England, Scotland and Wales
“The longer someone is out of work, the harder it is to get back in, and no young person should be left waiting on a scrapheap for an opportunity,” Work and Pensions Secretary Pat McFadden said
Announcement comes ahead of a report next week by former minister Alan Milburn, a Labour Party ally of Prime Minister Andy Burnham, which will detail causes of rising youth inactivity and give recommendations for helping more young people into work.
