Getting Young People Into Work
For too long, young people have been left behind, leading to an increase in unemployment. This Government is committed to ensuring that every young person has a pathway into work, training or education, delivering on our manifesto pledge made in 2024.
The Government has introduced a Youth Guarantee, the core principle that drives all further reform. The Youth Guarantee ensures that all young people can earn or learn, tackling the NEET (not in employment, education or training) crisis directly.
Under the previous Government, too many young people were left without support. This Labour Government is changing that.
Boosting Support:
We are investing directly in opportunities for young people across the country.
£820 million investment in youth employment support
350,000 new training or workplace opportunities in sectors like construction, health and social care and hospitality
Tailored support to develop interview tricks, write CVs, or learn key skills
Rolling out new Vocational Qualifications for key employment sectors
Investing over £1 billion in skills packaging
A Guaranteed Job for those that need it most:
For young people who are facing long-term unemployment, the Government is delivering a Jobs Guarantee.
A paid job for 6 months with wrap-around support
Eligible for anybody between the ages of 18-24 who has been on Universal Credit and looking for work for 18 months or more
A rollout will begin in March, with a total of 90,000 jobs over the next 3 years
Offering businesses £3,000 for every young person they hire aged 18-24 who have been on Universal Credit and looking for work.
Improving Apprenticeships:
We are reforming apprenticeships to work for both young people and employers.
50,000 more apprenticeships
Fully funded apprenticeships for under-25s in small businesses
New foundation apprenticeships to open doors earlier
An apprenticeship incentive for businesses - £2,000 for each new employee aged 16-24 taken on by an SME.
The details of these papers can be found in the links provided, though you are welcome to get in touch – a member of our team will be more than happy to answer any specific policy questions you may have.
Supported Internships:
I have been closely involved with Supported Internships – a scheme that provides 9-month work placements with major companies for 18-25 year olds with EHCPs.
I was the first MP to mention supported internships in Westminster after a visit to our wonderful local ASDA scheme, and called on the Government to continue funding through a debate I hosted in Parliament – a record £12m funding was awarded.
I held the first ever SEND youth Parliament, inviting over 150 young people with disabilities to debate the question of accessibility at work. This is my second year of Youth Parliament now, and have taken young supported internets from Nuneaton to 10 Downing Street.
Several of our supported interns have gone on to secure paid employment, and local partnerships such as ASDA and NWSLC in Nuneaton have led to significant increases in those with learning difficulties being employed – 62% of these interns have secured paid employment, as opposed to the staggeringly low 5% national figure of people with learning difficulties.
National Government action sets the direction, but events like the jobs and futures fair I hosted show the difference strong local partnerships can make in helping young people build confidence, meet employers and have the best opportunities for getting into work. We’ll keep you posted about the next Jobs and Futures Fair.
Furthermore, do not hesitate to get in contact if you have any casework concerns – we’d love to see what we can do to help.
I’ll keep you up to date with more good news in policy on supporting young people in employment.
Jodie Gosling
