90,000 young people furthest from work to be given guaranteed job, no matter where they live
The UK Government will guarantee a six-month job to all eligible 18–24-year-olds on Universal Credit from November, expanding nationwide after a successful pilot in six high-unemployment areas.
The scheme guarantees a fully-funded six-month job matched to individual skills for every eligible 18 to 24-year-old claiming Universal Credit and seeking work, starting at the end of November. It follows a pilot in six areas with high youth unemployment, where participants gained valuable skills and experience. The expansion covers all regions of England, Scotland and Wales, ensuring young people furthest from the labour market receive guaranteed opportunities. The government will also reduce the eligibility period from 18 to 12 months of claiming Universal Credit, allowing earlier access to the scheme.
The Jobs Guarantee will fully fund up to 25 hours of paid work per week at the relevant minimum wage for six months, with roles tailored to each participant’s skills. Employers such as Lidl, Leonardo Hotels and Boots have already supported over 400 participants, while local authorities and mayors have helped select delivery partners. The scheme includes tailored pre-employment and in-work support to address barriers like confidence-building and on-the-job skill development.
Eligibility will also be extended from April 2027 to include young people receiving the health element of Universal Credit on a voluntary basis, ensuring those with health conditions or disabilities receive tailored support. The government’s response to the Milburn Review will introduce earlier intervention, clearer opportunities in education and work, and a new settlement to join up employment, skills, health and wider support locally. The plan aims to prevent long-term unemployment and its associated harms, including poverty and poorer health outcomes.
A participant at Kenny Waste described the scheme as transformative, citing improved confidence and workplace readiness after six weeks in the role. The government warns that long-term unemployment harms life chances and argues the expansion addresses systemic failures leaving young people disconnected from work and opportunity.