Jobless youngsters to be offered work - and could lose benefits if they say no

"Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging. At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story."

"Ministers have announced an 820 million package aimed at halting the rise in youth unemployment. The money includes funding for training and work experience in construction, hospitality and health and social care for 350,000 young people on universal credit. Others will be offered intensive support to help them find work, and government-backed guaranteed jobs will be provided for up to 55,000 young people from spring 2026. However those who don't engage with help without a good reason could lose some of their benefits."

The Independent solicits donations to fund on-the-ground reporting across major issues while keeping journalism free and accessible without paywalls. Donations support reporters investigating topics from reproductive rights to climate change and enable projects like a documentary on American women fighting for reproductive rights. Ministers announced an £820m package to halt rising youth unemployment, funding training and work experience for 350,000 young people on universal credit. The programme includes training in construction, hospitality and health and social care, intensive support, and government-backed guaranteed jobs for up to 55,000 from spring 2026. Non-engagement without good reason could lead to loss of some benefits. Youth unemployment is at its highest since the Covid pandemic, attributed to a weak economy, an increasing minimum wage, tax rises on business, and rising numbers of young people with mental ill health and disability. Labour has faced criticism over employer national insurance increases linked to a slowdown in the jobs market.

Read at www.independent.co.uk