Young people receiving health benefits will be offered guaranteed jobs under a major expansion of a Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) employment scheme from next year.
The DWP has announced that eligible young people will be able to voluntarily take up a fast-tracked job offer from the 13th week after their Work Capability Assessment (WCA). Under the scheme, the UK Government will cover 100 per cent of their wage costs for up to 25 hours each week for six months.
Employers taking part will also receive help with onboarding costs, while young people will be offered mentoring and tailored support covering areas including their mental health, finances and housing to help prepare them for work.
Expansion begins April 2027
The expansion will begin from April 2027 and forms part of wider employment reforms aimed at reducing the disability employment gap.
The Jobs Guarantee was launched earlier this year for long-term unemployed young people aged between 18 and 24 who have been receiving Universal Credit for 18 months. Eligibility is now being widened to include thousands of young disabled people and those with long-term health conditions receiving health benefits.
The DWP said participation in the scheme will be voluntary for those offered a job. The expanded programme is intended to help address the growing number of young people who are not in employment, education or training (NEET).
Who is eligible for the guaranteed jobs?
Earlier this year, an interim report from Alan Milburn found 45 per cent of young people who are NEET reported having a disability, more than double the 21.1 per cent recorded in 2013/14.
The UK Government said widening eligibility for the Jobs Guarantee will give thousands more young people the opportunity to participate. The overall scheme is intended to help up to 90,000 young people into employment by the end of the current Parliament.
It forms part of £2.5 billion committed over three years to Youth Guarantee schemes, which also include £3,000 payments for businesses hiring a young person who has been out of work for six months and an expansion of youth apprenticeships.
Charities welcome the expansion
Disability charities have welcomed the expansion while stressing that the jobs offered need to be accessible and provide longer-term opportunities.
Harriet Edwards, director of influencing at Sense, said: "We welcome investment that gives more young disabled people the opportunity to get into work. Too many who want to work are still locked out by barriers, including a lack of appropriate support, inaccessible workplaces and negative attitudes. These jobs must be accessible, work for the individual and lead to lasting opportunities. Young disabled people need tailored support and inclusive workplaces, and success should be measured not just by how many start a job, but whether they have the support and opportunities to build the future they choose."
James Taylor, executive director at disability equality charity Scope, said the scheme could give young disabled people a "much-needed foot in the door". He added: "For too long, disabled young people have been locked out of work by barriers beyond their control. They have been overlooked when they apply for jobs, denied the support they need at work, and too often left without the opportunities they deserve. Young disabled people have a wealth of talent and skills, and it's positive to see the government putting money behind them to unlock their potential. That means the right adjustments, tailored support and opportunities to move into accessible, secure, and lasting jobs."
The DWP also linked the Jobs Guarantee expansion to its previously announced 'right to try' policy. The UK Government said this will allow people receiving sickness benefits to try employment without the immediate fear of losing their benefits.
The Jobs Guarantee expansion forms part of a wider £3.5 billion investment in employment reforms, with the new offer for young people on health benefits due to begin in April next year.
