Breaking News: Government Rushes to Secure Jobs for Young People
Ministers are scrambling to provide job opportunities for young people in construction and hospitality sectors, as youth unemployment continues to rise. Work and Pensions Secretary Pat McFadden has announced plans to fund 350,000 training and work experience placements, with 55,000 guaranteed jobs in areas of high need from spring 2026.
The government will draw on £820m allocated in the Budget last month to finance the initiative. This move aims to help out-of-work young people "make something of their lives," according to McFadden. The number of 16-24-year-olds not in employment, education, or training (Neets) has been trending upwards since 2021, with nearly a million young people now not earning or learning.
The government had previously announced plans to provide guaranteed work placements for 18-21-year-olds who had been out of work. This new initiative expands on that promise, targeting a broader age range and multiple industries. The exact details of the job placements and training programs are still being finalized.
This is a developing story, and we will provide updates as more information becomes available. The government's efforts to address youth unemployment are ongoing, and it remains to be seen how effective these measures will be in the long term.
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