Government expands Jobs Guarantee to young disabled people

Thousands of young disabled people and those with long-term health conditions are set to be offered fully funded jobs under an expansion of the Government’s Jobs Guarantee.

From April 2027, eligible young people receiving health benefits will be offered a guaranteed job on a voluntary basis from 13 weeks after their Work Capability Assessment.

The Government will cover 100% of wage costs for up to 25 hours a week for six months, while employers will receive support with onboarding costs.

Participants will also receive mentoring and tailored support covering areas including mental health, finances and housing to help prepare them for employment.

The measure expands the Jobs Guarantee, which was launched earlier this year for unemployed 18 to 24-year-olds who have been claiming Universal Credit for 18 months.

It forms part of wider employment reforms aimed at reducing the disability employment gap and follows the Government’s previously announced ‘right to try’, designed to allow people receiving sickness benefits to try work without immediately losing their benefits.

An interim report from Alan Milburn earlier this year found that 45% of young people not in education, employment or training (NEET) reported having a disability, up from 21.1% in 2013/14.

The Government said the Jobs Guarantee is intended to help up to 90,000 young people into employment by the end of the Parliament.