Thousands of young disabled people to be offered guaranteed jobs

The government’s Jobs Guarantee scheme will now include young disabled people and those with long-term health conditions, who will be offered voluntary work placements from week 13 after their Work Capability Assessment. Participants will receive mentoring and support addressing mental health, finances, and housing, while employers will be reimbursed for onboarding costs. The scheme covers 100% of wage costs for up to 25 hours per week over six months, aiming to address the UK’s persistent disability employment gap.

The expansion builds on the existing Jobs Guarantee, which currently targets long-term unemployed young people aged 18 to 24 claiming Universal Credit for 18 months. Eligibility for disabled young people begins in April 2027 as part of a £3.5 billion investment in employment reforms. The government also introduced a ‘right to try’ guarantee earlier this year, allowing those on sickness benefits to attempt work without immediately risking benefit loss.

Nearly half of young people not in education, employment, or training (NEET) in the UK report having a disability, according to an interim report by Alan Milburn. The expanded scheme aims to help up to 90,000 young people into work by the end of the Parliament, with £2.5 billion committed over three years to Youth Guarantee initiatives, including £3,000 payments for businesses hiring young people for six months.

Employers like Tesco have welcomed the expansion, emphasizing the importance of inclusive workplaces and tailored support for young disabled people. Advocacy groups highlight the need for accessible jobs and long-term opportunities, noting that many young disabled people face barriers such as lack of support and negative attitudes. The scheme’s voluntary nature is intended to build confidence while preserving essential benefits.