The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) is stepping up its effort to get people into work with a significant new grant scheme offering support of up to £3,000. The department recently provided an update on the initiative, which aims to assist hundreds of thousands of individuals.
Government Plans to Boost Employment
Ministers have outlined plans to help employers create fresh job opportunities and training schemes. DWP minister Andrew Western recently explained in a written parliamentary response how the Government has boosted funding for its Youth Guarantee and the Growth and Skills Levy, pledging to support one million young people and generate 500,000 opportunities for training and work.
Mr Western said: "The Government is taking action to support employers to recruit and train young people, helping to unlock up to 200,000 more employment opportunities. This includes a new £3,000 Youth Jobs Grant for employers who hire 18 to 24-year-olds who have been on Universal Credit for over six months, a new £2,000 apprenticeship incentive for small and medium sized employers hiring 16 to 24-year-olds, and the Jobs Guarantee scheme, providing long-term unemployed 18 to 24-year-olds with a fully funded six month job."
Healthtech Company Cera Ramping Up Recruitment
One firm ramping up its recruitment efforts this year is healthtech company Cera, an at-home care provider that harnesses AI to develop and enhance its services. The company has committed to creating 5,000 new positions over the next 12 months and training more than 20,000 new and existing employees with essential digital and AI skills throughout 2026.
While concerns have been raised about AI potentially taking away jobs, Cera has developed an AI agent called Ami, which guides job applicants through the application process, fast-tracking candidates into employment. The firm has a particular emphasis on recruiting over-50s as well as young people aged 18 to 24 who are not in employment, education or training.
Embracing Technology for Job Creation
Minister for Employment Dame Diana Johnson praised Cera's efforts to generate new jobs, saying: "Our mission is to get Britain working - and that means embracing the technologies that can help people into meaningful, fulfilling careers. Initiatives like this show how AI can be used as a key tool for businesses – unlocking productivity and helping employers to create and fill the jobs that will drive our economy forward."
Dr Ben Maruthappu, founder and chief executive of Cera, said: "Today's 18-24s will make up the backbone, not just of our future economy – but also of our future health and care workforce. Any investment we make now in skills, support and pathways into work – both for young people, and for any groups who are out of work – is an investment in critical social infrastructure for generations to come."
Job Seeker Success Story
Summer Jones, 22, from Colwyn Bay, is among the young people who have recently joined Cera, having started with the organisation in January 2026. After applying for numerous positions before securing her current role, she described how challenging the local job market can be. She said: "It can sometimes feel discouraging, especially when responses are delayed or unclear. Overall, I had been actively job searching for a few months before finding this opportunity."
Ms Jones knew Cera would be the right fit from the moment she discovered the company. She recalled: "My journey to finding the role at Cera started with actively searching for opportunities where I could make a meaningful impact while also growing professionally. I came across the role online and was immediately drawn to the company's mission and values. After researching more about Cera and the type of work involved, I felt it aligned well with my interests and experience, so I decided to apply."
For more information about Cera, visit the company's website.
