Labour's Rachel Reeves to Guarantee Paid Work for Young People Unemployed for 18 Months
In a bid to tackle long-term youth unemployment, Labour's Chancellor Rachel Reeves has announced plans to guarantee paid work placements for young people who have been out of a job or education for 18 months. The move is part of the party's efforts to "abolish" long-term youth unemployment and promote a society founded on "contribution," where hard work is matched by fair reward.
According to Reeves, every young person who has been on Universal Credit for 18 months without earning or learning will be offered a guaranteed paid work placement. Those who refuse to take up the offer without a reasonable excuse could face being stripped of their benefits.
The scheme builds on Labour's existing "youth guarantee," which promised every 18-21-year-old in England access to an apprenticeship, training, education opportunities, or help finding a job. The new initiative aims to provide young people with a safety net and support them in getting back into employment.
Reeves is set to make the announcement at Labour's annual conference in Liverpool, where she will also highlight the need for a society that rewards hard work and contributions. "We want to create a society that values contribution, not just consumption," Reeves said in a statement. "That means making sure everyone has access to good jobs, training, and education."
The move comes ahead of November's Budget, which is expected to be a crucial test for the government's economic policies. With the UK facing rising inflation and economic uncertainty, Labour's plan aims to provide a much-needed boost to young people and the economy.
Labour's proposal has been welcomed by some experts as a "bold" step towards tackling youth unemployment. "This is a positive move that recognizes the need for targeted support for young people," said Dr. Emma Taylor, a leading expert on youth employment. "However, it remains to be seen how effective this scheme will be in practice."
The UK's current youth unemployment rate stands at around 12%, with many young people struggling to find stable work or training opportunities. Labour's plan aims to address these issues and provide young people with the support they need to get back into employment.
As the government prepares for November's Budget, Reeves' announcement is likely to put pressure on the Treasury to prioritize youth employment initiatives. With Labour's proposal set to be a key focus of the party's conference, it remains to be seen how the government will respond to this challenge.
Background and Context:
Youth unemployment has been a persistent issue in the UK, with many young people struggling to find stable work or training opportunities. Labour's existing "youth guarantee" aimed to address these issues by providing every 18-21-year-old in England access to an apprenticeship, training, education opportunities, or help finding a job.
Additional Perspectives:
Dr. Emma Taylor, a leading expert on youth employment, welcomed Labour's proposal as a "bold" step towards tackling youth unemployment. However, she noted that the scheme's effectiveness would depend on its implementation and funding.
Current Status and Next Developments:
The UK government has yet to respond to Labour's proposal, but it is likely to be a key focus of November's Budget. As the party prepares for conference, Reeves' announcement is set to put pressure on the Treasury to prioritize youth employment initiatives.
Reeves will make her announcement at Labour's annual conference in Liverpool, where she will also highlight the need for a society that rewards hard work and contributions.
*Reporting by Bbc.*
