The UK Government has announced the creation of 80 new youth hubs across the country to address a surge in unemployment among young people. The initiative aims to support those aged 16 to 24 who are out of work or education, a number that has more than quadrupled since 2021 to nearly one million.
Work and Pensions Secretary Pat McFadden unveiled the expansion during a visit to Glasgow, where he opened Scotland’s first youth guarantee jobs fair. The hubs will bring together jobcentres, councils, employers, and training providers to offer on-site support, including mental health and housing assistance, skills training, careers guidance, and direct connections to employers with live job and apprenticeship opportunities.
Each youth hub will be required to meet minimum standards, ensuring access to comprehensive support. The government aims to roll out hubs across Scotland, England, and Wales to prevent under-24s from falling into long-term worklessness. The announcement is part of a £2.5 billion investment in the youth guarantee, which is expected to create 200,000 jobs and apprenticeships.
Speaking at the event, Mr McFadden said: 'This is all about getting employment opportunities for young people. We know that young people are full of energy and talent, but too many of them have been out of work in recent years.' He emphasised that the youth guarantee represents welfare reform, as getting young people into work is the best form of support.
The jobs fair in Glasgow featured employers such as HSBC, Barclays, Police Scotland, and the NHS, offering opportunities to 2,400 jobseekers. Additionally, the government announced a partnership with the Scottish Premier Football League (SPFL) Trust to deliver youth hubs across Scotland, leveraging football clubs as community hubs where young people feel a strong sense of connection.
The initiative includes a youth jobs grant of £3,000 for employers hiring 18-24 year-olds who have been on universal credit for six months, an expanded jobs guarantee, and new foundation apprenticeships in key sectors. Mr McFadden noted that for every young person who returns to work, they earn an extra £1 million over their lifetime, while the government saves a similar amount.
