UK Guarantees Jobs for 90,000 Young People: Who Qualifies & When
Britain will guarantee paid jobs to more than 90,000 young people on Universal Credit from the end of November, with eligibility widening from April 2027.
Image: Wikimedia Commons / UK Government
LONDON, Saturday, November 14, 2026 — The British government will guarantee a paid job to more than 90,000 young people furthest from work, the Department for Work and Pensions said on Saturday, as it rolls out its Jobs Guarantee across Great Britain from the end of November.
The expansion follows a trial in six areas with some of the highest youth unemployment in the country. It is aimed at 18- to 24-year-olds claiming Universal Credit and looking for work. Almost one million young people aged 16 to 24 — 981,000, or 13 percent of the age group — were not in education, employment or training in the second quarter of 2026, according to the Office for National Statistics.
Key Takeaways
- Guaranteed jobs roll out across England, Scotland and Wales from the end of November 2026, after a trial in six areas.
- More than 90,000 young people are expected to move into work through the scheme by March 2029.
- From April 2027, claimants qualify after 12 months on Universal Credit instead of 18, and those receiving the health element can join voluntarily.
- Each placement offers up to 25 hours of paid work a week for six months, fully funded at the relevant minimum wage.
Who Qualifies for the UK Jobs Guarantee and When It Starts
The Jobs Guarantee is for 18- to 24-year-olds claiming Universal Credit and looking for work. A work coach refers each young person to a local delivery partner, which matches them with a job suited to their skills and gives tailored support before and during the placement, from building confidence to interview preparation and help with a CV.
The scheme was previously available only in six trial areas. From the end of November it will cover all areas of England, Scotland and Wales. More than 400 employers have backed it, including Lidl, Leonardo Hotels and Boots.
What the Guaranteed Job Pays and How Long It Lasts
Under the scheme, the government fully funds up to 25 hours of paid work a week for six months at the relevant minimum wage. The Jobs Guarantee is part of wider youth employment support backed by £2.5 billion to support almost one million young people and create 500,000 opportunities.
| Jobs Guarantee at a glance | Detail |
|---|---|
| Who qualifies | 18- to 24-year-olds on Universal Credit, looking for work |
| Nationwide rollout | End of November 2026, across England, Scotland and Wales |
| Hours and length | Up to 25 hours a week for six months |
| Pay | Fully funded at the relevant minimum wage |
Why the UK Is Expanding the Jobs Guarantee Now
The expansion comes ahead of a review into the causes of rising youth inactivity by former Labour cabinet minister Alan Milburn, due to report next week. The government says the report is expected to make clear that the answer is not crude cuts to support, but getting more young people into work. Work and Pensions Secretary Pat McFadden said: "The longer someone is out of work, the harder it is to get back in, and no young person should be left waiting on a scrapheap for an opportunity." Paul Nowak, general secretary of the Trades Union Congress, welcomed the move. The scheme sits alongside a UK economy that grew 0.7 percent in the third quarter and a Bank of England weighing its next move on rates.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is eligible for the UK Jobs Guarantee?
Young people aged 18 to 24 who are claiming Universal Credit and looking for work. They must currently have been on Universal Credit for 18 months; from April 2027 that falls to 12 months.
How much does the Jobs Guarantee pay?
The government fully funds up to 25 hours of paid work a week for six months at the relevant minimum wage.
When does the nationwide Jobs Guarantee start?
The nationwide rollout begins at the end of November 2026 across England, Scotland and Wales, after a trial in six areas. The eligibility change takes effect from April 2027.
How many young people will the Jobs Guarantee help?
The Department for Work and Pensions says more than 90,000 young people will move into work by March 2029. It is part of a £2.5 billion package to support almost one million young people.
The government will set out its response to the Milburn review next week. Full details of the expanded scheme are published on GOV.UK.
