Businesses across Luton are being encouraged to take advantage of a new government scheme offering £3,000 for every eligible young person they hire.
The Youth Jobs Grant launched yesterday as part of the government’s wider Youth Guarantee, which aims to help thousands of 18 to 24-year-olds who are out of work take their first steps into employment.
Under the scheme, employers can apply for a £3,000 payment for each eligible young person they recruit, with the government hoping to support up to 60,000 young people into work over the next three years.
Luton South MP Rachel Hopkins welcomed the launch, saying it would help young people access employment, education and training opportunities.
She said on her Facebook page: “One of my top priorities is making sure our young people get a good start in life and that they can access education training and employment to set them up for the future.
“Under the last government, young people were left behind but this Labour government is turning that around.
“From today, businesses in Luton South and South Bedfordshire can access the Youth Jobs Grant that has pays £3,000 to hire a young person who is out of work.
“Expanded Job Centre Support has also been rolled out across the country and young people are beginning to access the youth jobs guarantee.”
Alongside the grant, Jobcentres across Great Britain have begun offering enhanced support to young people claiming Universal Credit. Those who are still not in work or education after 13 weeks of their claim will receive additional help from dedicated work coaches, including access to jobs, apprenticeships, work experience, vocational training and further education.
The Youth Jobs Grant forms part of a £2.5billion government package designed to tackle youth unemployment.
Prime Minister Keir Starmer said: “We often say in this country that every child or young person should go as far as their talents will take them. But too often they are held back by a status quo that doesn’t work for them.
“We are turning the page on that, putting in place the building blocks of real reform to expand opportunity for young people and helping them into work.
“This is the foundation for a new contract with the next generation, so every young person has a clear path into learning or earning, and the chance to build a secure and successful future.”
Work and Pensions Secretary, Pat McFadden, said the grant would encourage employers to offer opportunities to young people who need help getting onto the career ladder.
“Young people want the chance to work, earn, learn and build a better future,” he said.
“That’s why the government is backing employers large and small with a £3,000 grant to take a chance on young people who are ready to work and need that first step on the ladder, and subsidised work for those who face more challenges.”
The government hopes the combination of employer incentives, expanded Jobcentre support and subsidised employment will help more young people gain the skills and experience needed to build long-term careers.
Be the first to comment