First young people start work through Government Jobs Guarantee

The first young people supported through the Government’s Jobs Guarantee have started work, as the scheme begins its rollout in areas with high levels of youth unemployment.

The programme provides a route into employment for 18 to 24-year-olds who have been claiming Universal Credit and looking for work for 18 months.

Under the scheme, the Government fully funds up to 25 hours of paid work a week for six months, with roles matched to participants’ skills.

More than 90,000 young people are expected to be supported into employment through the Jobs Guarantee by 2029, as part of the Government’s wider £2.5bn investment in tackling youth unemployment.

The first participants have begun roles with Boots across administrative, retail and warehouse support functions.

Alongside paid employment, young people receive tailored support intended to address barriers to work, including confidence building and on-the-job skills training.

The scheme has initially been rolled out across Birmingham and Solihull, the East Midlands, Greater Manchester, Hertfordshire and Essex, Central and East Scotland, and South East and South West Wales.

It is due to expand later this year to all eligible 18 to 24-year-olds who have been claiming Universal Credit and looking for work for 18 months.