On Tuesday 9 June DWP opened the grant application window for the national roll out of the Jobs Guarantee Scheme, a major milestone in delivering the Government’s expanded Youth Guarantee. The Jobs Guarantee will help break the cycle of long-term unemployment for young people by funding fully subsidised six-month paid jobs for eligible 18-to-24-year-olds who have been claiming Universal Credit and looking for work for 18 months. The scheme will help young people take a crucial step towards sustained employment.
From 9th June 2026 until 13 July 2026, organisations can apply to deliver the scheme in 25 areas across the Great Britain. Applications from a wide range of organisations are welcome and further information is on GOV.UK.
Alongside funding the paid roles, the grant will also provide funding for successful delivery partners to deliver tailored employability and in-work support to reduce young people’s barriers to employment. Applicants are expected to demonstrate relevant experience of working with long-term unemployed and disadvantaged young people, show knowledge of their local job markets and provide plans to find and match young people to suitable jobs.
Employers have already shown strong interest in supporting the programme. Once successful delivery partners are appointed, they will work closely with employers — with DWP supporting at the national level — to secure job opportunities and match roles for young people on the scheme.
Once fully rolled out later in 2026 the Jobs Guarantee is expected to provide jobs for more than 90,000 young people in total over the next three years.