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Minister backs legal right to job support for young people
Work and Pensions Secretary Pat McFadden has backed giving young people a legal right to government help finding work. His support comes ahead of a review recommending guaranteed placements or training for under-25s, alongside clearer expectations about taking up support.
Former minister Alan Milburn says the government should offer apprenticeships, college places, job coaching or jobs, and shift more spending towards employment support. He has cited a current ratio of about £25 on benefits for every £1 on employment support, which he wants to move to £2 for every £1. The government will also widen its subsidised six-month job scheme: from next April, eligible under-25s will be offered a role after 12 months out of work, down from 18.
In short
- McFadden backs a legal guarantee of job support for young people.
- Milburn wants more spending on employment support.
- Subsidised job offers will come after 12 months from next April.
Steelman: both sides, in good faith
The strongest fair case each way — we don't pick a winner.
The case for
A legal right to job support could make help predictable and accessible, rather than dependent on where a young person lives or how quickly they navigate the system. Guaranteed training, apprenticeships, coaching or work placements may prevent long spells out of work from eroding skills and confidence, and greater investment in employment support could help people move into lasting work.
The case against
A legal guarantee could create costly obligations for government and prove difficult to deliver if suitable placements, training and coaching are not available in sufficient numbers. Clear expectations on young people to take up support may also overlook individual circumstances, while shifting spending towards employment schemes risks diverting money from benefits that provide essential security during unemployment.