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Universal Credit claimants aged 18 to 24 to qualify for jobs scheme sooner
The Government plans to expand its taxpayer-funded jobs scheme so that 18 to 24-year-olds receiving Universal Credit can qualify for a job after 12 months, rather than waiting 18 months. The change is due to take effect in April next year, as ministers seek to reduce youth unemployment and the number of young people not in education, employment or training.
The scheme offers a six-month job matched to a claimant’s skills, with the Government funding up to 25 hours of work a week at the relevant minimum wage. It is rolling out nationwide from the end of November and is funded through a wider £2.5 billion employment support package. A forthcoming review by Alan Milburn is expected to propose a legal duty to offer young people a route into work, training or employment support; its recommendations may also include changes to benefit eligibility.
In short
- Universal Credit claimants aged 18 to 24 could qualify for a job after 12 months.
- The six-month placements are funded for up to 25 hours a week.
- Alan Milburn’s review is expected to propose a legal route into work or training.
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Originally published by Daily Mail as “Every 18-to-24-year-old on benefits will be ‘guaranteed’ a job after a year as part of taxpayer-funded scheme”.