The government is extending its Job Guarantee scheme to disabled young people.
From April 2027, eligible 18-24-year-olds on health benefits will be offered a guaranteed job on a voluntary basis from week 13 after their Work Capability Assessment.
They will also get mentoring and support with their mental health, finances and housing to prepare them for work.
For employers, 100% of wage costs up to 25 hours a week for six months will be covered by the government.
The move extends the Jobs Guarantee scheme which supports long-term unemployed young people who have been claiming Universal Credit for 18 months.
The ‘right to try’ guarantee means those on sickness benefits can work without the immediate fear of losing their benefits.
The initiative is the latest move by ministers to tackle the high number of young people not in education, employment or training (Neets).
The latest figures show there are an estimated 981,000 Neets in the UK. The government intends to help up to 90,000 get work by the end of the current Parliament.
Former health secretary Alan Milburn was commissioned to investigate how youth unemployment can be tackled. His interim report warned that the UK risks a “lost generation”, with young people being failed by a “broken system”.
Milburn found that 45% of Neet young people have a disability, up from 21.1% in 2013/14. His full recommendations will be published later this year.
The government has committed £2.5 billion the next three years to Youth Guarantee schemes including £3,000 payments for businesses who hire a young person out of work for six months, and an expansion of youth apprenticeships.
