JobCentre Plus: Youth Jobs Grant

The Youth Jobs Grant is a new government scheme designed to support young people into sustained employment, while helping employers reduce recruitment costs and access motivated talent.

About the Youth Jobs Grant

From June 2026, businesses will be able to receive £3,000 for each eligible young person they recruit:

• Young people aged 18–24
• Who have been on Universal Credit
• And have been actively seeking work for six months or more

The scheme is expected to support up to 60,000 young people over three years.

Benefits for Employers

The Youth Jobs Grant offers clear incentives for employers to engage:

• A £3,000 grant per eligible hire
• Access to a pipeline of work‑ready young people
• Reduced recruitment costs while building a loyal, motivated workforce

Employer Eligibility

Employers may be eligible if they are ready to recruit:

• Someone aged 18–24
• Who has been on Universal Credit for six months or more
• And is actively seeking employment

Pre‑Registration and Next Steps

Employers can pre‑register their interest now by completing an online enquiry form and selecting ‘Youth Jobs Grant’.
Pre‑registration is optional but helps businesses stay informed ahead of launch.

When the scheme opens in June 2026 (exact date to be confirmed), the Youth Jobs Grant team will contact interested employers with application details.

Further information on the Youth Jobs Grant and other initiatives available via the JobCentre Plus can be found here.