Understanding the UK Youth Guarantee

The UK Youth Guarantee is transforming how young people enter the workforce. Read below to see how they are gaining easier access to training, work experience, and employment opportunities — and how businesses can connect with motivated, work-ready talent.

Read the Announcement

What is the Youth Guarantee?

The UK Youth Guarantee is a government programme backed by an £820 million funding package to create up to 350,000 new training or workplace opportunities and provide dedicated support to nearly one million young people.

It expands Youth Hubs nationwide, introduces guaranteed job interviews, and launches a Jobs Guarantee for long-term Universal Credit claimants (rolling out from Spring 2026 in high-need areas). The programme focuses on work experience, sector-specific training (construction, health and social care, hospitality), and wrap-around support to help young people move into sustained employment.

What support is there for young people?

  • Up to 350,000 sector-based training places, work placements, and experience in industries such as construction, health and social care, and hospitality.
  • Up to 55,000 six-month paid job placements (25 hours per week) for 18–21 year-olds on Universal Credit who have been seeking work for 18 months.
  • Local Youth Hubs offering employability coaching, CV and interview support, job-search help, and wrap-around services for those facing additional barriers.
  • Targeted support for young people who face greater challenges — including those at risk of becoming NEET — with mentoring, apprenticeships, and personalised interventions.
  • Early intervention for school leavers without a planned next step, helping them secure places in education, training, or employment.

What support is there for employers?

  • A six-month wage subsidy covering up to 25 hours per week at the relevant minimum wage for eligible young people taken on after 18 months on Universal Credit (available from April 2026) initially in:
    • Birmingham & Solihull
    • East Midlands
    • Greater Manchester
    • Hertfordshire & Essex
    • Central & East Scotland
    • Southwest & Southeast Wales
  • Expanded Youth Hubs to help match employers with suitable candidates, streamline referrals, and provide ongoing support to ensure placements succeed.