Government scheme will provide jobs for up to 55,000 young people from April 2026, but those who refuse without good reason could face benefit cuts
Young people face the prospect of benefit cuts if they turn down job offers under a new government initiative. Positions will be made available for up to 55,000 young people from April 2026 across six regions of the UK, targeting areas with the greatest need.
The placements will run for six months, with 25 hours per week fully subsidised. They will be available in sectors including construction and hospitality.
Eligibility criteria include being aged between 18 and 21 and having claimed Universal Credit while seeking employment for 18 months.
Participants will receive the appropriate minimum wage alongside fully funded wraparound support, reports the Mirror.
However, Work and Pensions Secretary Pat McFadden told the BBC that young people would require a “good reason” to reject one of these opportunities. He suggested this might include a “family emergency” but offered no further details.
McFadden emphasised: “This is an offer on one hand, but it’s an expectation on the other.”
The regions where these government-backed positions will be introduced include: Birmingham and Solihull, the East Midlands, Greater Manchester, Hertfordshire and Essex, central and east Scotland, and south-west and south-east Wales.
The government aims to establish 350,000 training and work experience opportunities in total, funded by an £820million allocation announced at last month’s Budget.
This additional investment comes as ‘Neets’ – 16-24 year olds not in employment, education or training – continue to rise. The number of young people now categorised as ‘Neet’ has surged to 940,000, an increase of 195,000 over the past two years, largely due to escalating rates of sickness and disability.
In the initial announcement, Pat McFadden stated: “Every young person deserves a fair chance to succeed. When given the right support and opportunities, they will grasp them. That’s why we are introducing a range of reforms to help young people take that vital step into the workplace or training and to go on and make something of their lives.
“This funding is a downpayment on young people’s futures and the future of the country, creating real pathways into good jobs and providing work experience, skills training and guaranteed employment.”
Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson commented: “Too many young people fall out of education unnoticed, crippling their life chances and denting the economy. Smarter data and early-warning tools will change that – helping us to spot risks sooner, step in faster, and keep learners on track through our Plan for Change.
“With these ambitious measures, we can break down barriers to opportunity to make sure every young person gets the support they deserve.”
