28 April 2026

The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) announced last month a major youth employment drive, offering practical, funded routes for employers to recruit, train and develop young people, while reducing hiring costs and risk.

 

What Support is available for employers?

The Jobs Guarantee

A fully funded six-month job for young people who have been unemployed for a long time.

What employers can offer:

  • A real job lasting six months
  • at least 25 hours per week
  • paid at National Minimum Wage.

What employers receive:

  • 100% wage costs covered (up to 25 hours per week)
  • employer National Insurance and minimum pension contributions covered
  • up to £250 per participant for onboarding costs (e.g. uniform, PPE, equipment)
  • ongoing support for the young person from the local Delivery Partners.

Who is it for:

  • Young people aged 18-21 in phase one, expanding to 18-24 in the Autumn national rollout
  • those who have been on Universal Credit and looking for work for 18 months or more
  • currently only available in the phase one areas listed above.

 

Youth Jobs Grant

A simple hiring incentive to help employers create jobs sooner.

  • Employers receive £3,000 grant for each eligible young person hired
  • open to young people aged 18-24
  • have been on Universal Credit and looking for work for at least six months
  • no requirement to offer a six-month role.

 

Apprenticeship Incentives

Expanded support for employers to recruit and train young apprentices.

  • The Growth and Skills Levy providing a more flexible funding offer to employers and learners, building on the Apprenticeship Levy funding
  • £2,000 incentive for SMEs for each new apprentice aged 16-24 from October 2026
  • new foundation apprenticeships in hospitality and retail
  • new flexible level four apprenticeship units in sectors such as artificial intelligence, engineering and construction.

 

These reforms are part of the Government's commitment to ensure every young person has the chance to earn or learn. Supporting young people could be good for business, and good for the UK’s future workforce.

Phase one of the Jobs Guarantee initiative was approved to be delivered locally by appointed Delivery Partners, working with both employers and the DWP. These organisations will manage funding and paperwork, ensure that participants are matched into jobs accordingly, and maintain regular contact with employers during the six month funded employment period.

It has been confirmed today that lead Delivery Partners have now been appointed for each phase one area:

Birmingham and Solihull

Catch22 - [email protected]

East Midlands

Ingeus - [email protected]

Greater Manchester

The Growth Company - [email protected]

Hertfordshire and Essex

Reed in Partnership - [email protected] 

Central and East Scotland

King’s Trust - [email protected] 

Southwest and Southeast Wales

Itec Training Solutions Ltd - [email protected]

 

Employers in these relevant areas interested in offering Jobs Guarantee roles should contact their local Delivery Partner directly.

 

Information provided in this news article may be subject to change. Please make note of the date of publication to ensure that you are viewing up to date information. 

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