The UK Government has launched the new Jobs Guarantee, which will provide a fully subsidised 6 month paid job to eligible young people aged 18 – 21 years old who have been on Universal Credit and looking for work for 18 months.

Through the scheme, the government will fund 100% of eligible employment costs for 25 hours a week at the relevant minimum wage, alongside wrap-around support to help participants succeed on the scheme and transition into sustained employment.

Beginning with Phase One from Spring 2026, the Department for Work and Pensions will award grants to selected delivery organisations (who have been successful in their application) in the following areas:

Central & East Scotland (which includes the Falkirk Council area)
Birmingham & Solihull
East Midlands
Greater Manchester
Hertfordshire & Essex
Southwest & Southeast Wales

The aim of the Jobs Guarantee is to provide participants with meaningful paid work that will give them the skills and experience they need to take a crucial step towards sustained employment. Phase One of the Jobs Guarantee is expected to commence in April 2026, once Grant Funding Agreements are signed with successful applicants.

Job starts under Phase One are then expected to occur between April 2026 and October 2026, with the final 6 month job finishing by 30 April 2027. Final payments will be made by the end of July 2027 before the first phase will close in August 2027.

The deadline for applications is 11:59pm on Saturday 28 February 2026.

For further information, including how to apply, and all guidance, eligibility criteria, and objectives, please visit the UK Government website (linked for your convenience).