Will students get a look in in new DWP strategy?
The Department for Work and Pensions has this month announced “almost one million young people will benefit from learning or employment opportunities as a result of a £820 million funding package”.
The initiative intends to provide young people on Universal Credit with 350,000 training or workplace opportunities across the construction, health and social care, and hospitality sectors, in a move that the DWP claims will break down barriers to employment.
Additionally, 55,000 government-backed jobs will be provided to 18 to 21-year-olds on Universal Credit who have been searching for work for 18 months. These guaranteed jobs will be launched from Spring 2026 in areas with the UK’s ‘highest need’, including Central and East Scotland.
Despite having lower economic inactivity rates than England, Wales and Northern Ireland, half of the UK’s most benefit-dependent regions are in Scotland. In parts of Drumchapel, for example, more than 50% of working-age adults receive unemployment-related benefits. The DWP’s scheme is set to provide some relief to the 18 – 21 year olds that make up the 185,035 Glaswegians on Universal Credit.
Young people are expected by the DWP to take up the opportunities, and could lose their right to claim benefits if they refuse to engage in the initiative. Secretary of State for Work and Pensions Pat McFadden told the BBC on 6th December the sanction is “part of the system.” He described the initiative as an “expectation” on young people and an attempt to avoid people “sitting at home on benefits”.
Most full-time students do not qualify for Universal credit and will not have access to these opportunities. Furthermore, November’s budget has added to the tax burdens on young students, graduates, and professionals. Chancellor of the Exchequer Rachel Reeves announced she would be freezing the student loan repayment threshold. This means that low-earners will have to start repaying more of their loan, sooner. By 2030 this may include graduates who earn just above the minimum wage.
DWP plans to expand the number of Youth Hubs will however offer services to students and all young people under the age of 24. It is understood services such as careers guidance, skills training, and mental health support will be offered.
The Government announcement has come at a time where welfare is being provided to almost 24m people across the UK, 8m of which are on Universal Credit. As Labour struggles to cope with the soaring welfare bill, they grapple for a solution which doesn’t risk knock-on effects for other public services including education and healthcare.
As more young people seek jobs abroad and economic inactivity rises, the scheme marks the Government’s attempt to combat the country’s shrinking workforce.
DWP to roll out “guaranteed” jobs in Central and East Scotland
Will students get a look in in new DWP strategy?
The Department for Work and Pensions has this month announced “almost one million young people will benefit from learning or employment opportunities as a result of a £820 million funding package”.
The initiative intends to provide young people on Universal Credit with 350,000 training or workplace opportunities across the construction, health and social care, and hospitality sectors, in a move that the DWP claims will break down barriers to employment.
Additionally, 55,000 government-backed jobs will be provided to 18 to 21-year-olds on Universal Credit who have been searching for work for 18 months. These guaranteed jobs will be launched from Spring 2026 in areas with the UK’s ‘highest need’, including Central and East Scotland.
Despite having lower economic inactivity rates than England, Wales and Northern Ireland, half of the UK’s most benefit-dependent regions are in Scotland. In parts of Drumchapel, for example, more than 50% of working-age adults receive unemployment-related benefits. The DWP’s scheme is set to provide some relief to the 18 – 21 year olds that make up the 185,035 Glaswegians on Universal Credit.
Young people are expected by the DWP to take up the opportunities, and could lose their right to claim benefits if they refuse to engage in the initiative. Secretary of State for Work and Pensions Pat McFadden told the BBC on 6th December the sanction is “part of the system.” He described the initiative as an “expectation” on young people and an attempt to avoid people “sitting at home on benefits”.
Most full-time students do not qualify for Universal credit and will not have access to these opportunities. Furthermore, November’s budget has added to the tax burdens on young students, graduates, and professionals. Chancellor of the Exchequer Rachel Reeves announced she would be freezing the student loan repayment threshold. This means that low-earners will have to start repaying more of their loan, sooner. By 2030 this may include graduates who earn just above the minimum wage.
DWP plans to expand the number of Youth Hubs will however offer services to students and all young people under the age of 24. It is understood services such as careers guidance, skills training, and mental health support will be offered.
The Government announcement has come at a time where welfare is being provided to almost 24m people across the UK, 8m of which are on Universal Credit. As Labour struggles to cope with the soaring welfare bill, they grapple for a solution which doesn’t risk knock-on effects for other public services including education and healthcare.
As more young people seek jobs abroad and economic inactivity rises, the scheme marks the Government’s attempt to combat the country’s shrinking workforce.
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