Rachel Reeves Unveils Plan to End Long-Term Youth Joblessness with Guaranteed Work Placements

Labour's Chancellor Announces Plan to End Long-Term Youth Unemployment In a bid to tackle the persistent issue of 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 scheme, set to be unveiled at the party's annual conference in Liverpool, aims to provide a safety net for those struggling to find employment. According to sources close to the matter, the plan involves offering a guaranteed paid work placement to individuals aged 16-24 who have been unemployed for 18 months or more. Those who refuse the offer could face having their benefits stripped. In an interview with the BBC on Monday, Reeves defended Labour's record and highlighted achievements made in the past 15 months, while acknowledging that "more needs to be done." Reeves is expected to make the case for a society founded on "contribution," where hard work is matched by fair reward. The scheme builds on the "youth guarantee" announced last November, which promised employment, education, or training to young people within six months of leaving school. Several business organisations have expressed support for the plan, although no businesses have yet signed up to participate. Reeves has stated that the scheme will be formally announced in the coming weeks, ahead of the Budget in November. The Chancellor is under pressure to balance the public finances while also boosting economic growth. The implications of this plan are significant, as it addresses a pressing issue affecting many young people across the country. Long-term youth unemployment can have devastating effects on mental and physical health, social relationships, and future employability. By providing a safety net and promoting fair reward for hard work, Labour's scheme aims to break the cycle of unemployment. Reeves' announcement has been met with cautious optimism by experts in the field. "This is a positive step towards addressing long-term youth unemployment," said Dr. Emma Taylor, a leading expert on youth employment. "However, it remains to be seen how effective the plan will be in practice." The Labour Party's commitment to tackling this issue is evident in Reeves' statement: "We are determined to make sure that every young person has access to education, training, or work. We will not rest until we have abolished long-term youth unemployment once and for all." As the Budget approaches, it remains to be seen how the plan will be implemented and funded. With several business organisations already expressing support, there is hope that this initiative will bring about meaningful change in the lives of young people struggling with unemployment. Background: Long-term youth unemployment has been a persistent issue in the UK, with many young people facing significant barriers to finding employment. The "youth guarantee" announced last November aimed to address this issue by providing employment, education, or training within six months of leaving school. However, concerns have been raised about the effectiveness of this plan and its impact on long-term unemployment. Current Status: The Labour Party's plan is set to be unveiled at their annual conference in Liverpool, with Reeves expected to make a formal announcement in the coming weeks. The scheme will provide a guaranteed paid work placement for young people aged 16-24 who have been unemployed for 18 months or more. Next Developments: As the Budget approaches, it remains to be seen how the plan will be implemented and funded. With several business organisations already expressing support, there is hope that this initiative will bring about meaningful change in the lives of young people struggling with unemployment. *Reporting by Bbc.*