RECRUITMENT 

The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has launched its new Youth Jobs Grant, with eligible employers able to receive up to £ 3,000 for each young person hired. 

The Youth Jobs Grant is a part of the existing Youth Guarantee which seeks to address the nearly 1 million young people aged 16-24 who are not in employment, education or training (NEET). This accounts for one in eight young people. 

The grant is worth £3,000 and is paid in two instalments. The first payment is £1800 after 6 weeks, and the second payment is £1,200 after 18 weeks. 

The money is intended to cover the costs of hiring and employing the young person, such as wages, administration, and training. 

DWP aim to make the grant available for 60,000 job opportunities over the next 3 years. 

Eligibility 

Employers, including sole traders, must: 

• Operate in Great Britain 
• Have traded for at least 6 months 
• Be registered with HMRC. 

The jobs employers offer must: 

• Be at least 25 hours per week for 4 months or more
• Pay at least the National Minimum of Living Wage 
• Be safe and lawful 
• Not replace existing staff or roles. 

The young person must be: 

• Aged 18-24 
• Claiming Universal Credit and unemployed for at least six months 
• Not be currently eligible for the Jobs Guarantee. 

How can I get involved as an employer? 

Applications for the Youth Jobs Grant opened on 30 June, and are expected to close to new participants in October 2028. 

Applications can be submitted online, and are expected to take no longer than 20 minutes to complete. Guidance and terms and conditions are also available here.  

If your application is approved by DWP, you can submit vacancies to the scheme, and DWP will match eligible young people for you.  

You are free to select your preferred candidates for the role; all you have to do is inform DWP who they are and when they start employment.