Young unemployed told to engage with jobs scheme or risk benefit cuts

The Guardian - World NewsCenter-LeftEN 3 min read 100% complete by Jasper Jolly and Peter WalkerDecember 7, 2025 at 01:34 PM

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The UK government is launching a scheme to offer 350,000 unemployed young people on Universal Credit training and job opportunities in sectors like construction, care, and hospitality. As part of the Labour government's plan to reduce the number of young people not in education, employment, or training (NEET), the initiative includes a "youth guarantee" of six-month paid work placements for eligible 18- to 21-year-olds. The program will begin in the spring, targeting areas with high need, and will provide dedicated work support sessions. While the government hopes to help young people find employment, those who do not engage with the scheme risk having their benefits cut, as sanctions are part of the system.

Key Entities & Roles

Key Player Opposition Context

Scotland 30% Hertfordshire 30% Essex 30% Greater Manchester 40% East Midlands 40% Birmingham and Solihull 50% Rachel Reeves ×260% Pat McFadden ×480%

Keywords

youth unemployment 90% universal credit 80% job training 70% sanctions 70% benefit cuts 70% neet 60% job guarantee 60% work placement 50% employment 40% work support 40%