Employers across Great Britain are being encouraged to take advantage of the new Youth Jobs Grant, a government initiative designed to help businesses recruit young people while tackling youth unemployment and economic inactivity.
Launched on 30 June 2026 as part of the Youth Guarantee, the scheme provides employers with a £3,000 grant when they recruit an eligible young person into a qualifying role.
The grant is available to employers who recruit a young person aged 18 to 24 who is claiming Universal Credit and has been unemployed for at least six months. Eligible roles must offer a minimum of 25 hours per week and pay at least the National Minimum Wage or National Living Wage for a period of at least four months.
The funding is intended to help employers cover recruitment, onboarding and training costs while creating meaningful employment opportunities for young people looking to gain a foothold in the labour market.
The Youth Jobs Grant forms part of a wider government commitment to support up to 60,000 employment opportunities over the next three years, helping young people gain valuable work experience, develop skills and build sustainable careers.
In addition to the financial support available through the grant, employers can also access recruitment assistance through Jobcentre Plus, including help with advertising vacancies, identifying suitable candidates and supporting recruitment campaigns.
Who Can Benefit?
The scheme may be particularly attractive to:
- Voluntary, community and social enterprise organisations
- Small and medium-sized businesses
- Social enterprises
- Charities
- Local employers looking to expand their workforce
How to Apply
Employers ready to apply can access the Youth Jobs Grant application form through the Government's grant portal and review the full terms and conditions before submitting an application.
For wider recruitment support, employers can also contact Employer Services on 0800 169 0178 to discuss their recruitment needs with a local Recruitment Consultant.
Organisations interested in recruiting young talent while benefiting from financial support are encouraged to explore the scheme and submit their applications as soon as possible.