UK expands paid jobs programme to support over 90,000 young people

The British government has announced plans to expand its guaranteed employment programme for young people, aiming to tackle rising youth unemployment and help thousands enter the workforce.
The initiative will be extended nationwide from the end of November, offering more than 90,000 young people access to paid employment opportunities. The programme targets eligible individuals aged 18 to 24 who receive Universal Credit, the country’s welfare support scheme.
Under the initiative, participants will receive six months of government-funded employment, working 25 hours a week. The scheme will cover all areas of England, Scotland and Wales.
The government will further widen eligibility from April, allowing young people to qualify after spending 12 months on Universal Credit instead of the existing 18-month requirement. The change is intended to help unemployed individuals access work opportunities sooner.
According to official figures, around 981,000 people aged between 16 and 24 were not in employment, education or training during the second quarter of this year. They represented approximately 13 per cent of the country’s population in that age group.
Work and Pensions Secretary Pat McFadden said prolonged unemployment could make it increasingly difficult for young people to return to the workforce. He stressed that young people should not be left without opportunities to gain employment and work experience.
The announcement comes ahead of a report expected next week by former minister Alan Milburn, a Labour Party ally of Prime Minister Andy Burnham. The report is expected to examine the factors behind rising youth inactivity and propose measures to bring more young people into employment.
The expansion forms part of the government’s efforts to address youth unemployment and improve access to paid work across the country.