Key Takeaways
- The government has announced a new scheme to provide employment support to 900,000 young people on Universal Credit
- The scheme includes a dedicated work support session and four weeks of intensive support, followed by referral to one of six pathways: work, work experience, apprenticeship, wider training, learning, or a workplace training programme
- The government expects over 1,000 young people to start a job in the first six months of the scheme
- The scheme is part of a larger effort to support young people and provide them with opportunities for success
- Critics argue that the scheme is not enough to address the issue of youth unemployment, which has been exacerbated by recent tax hikes
Introduction to the Scheme
The government has announced a new initiative to provide employment support to 900,000 young people who are currently on Universal Credit and looking for work. This scheme is designed to give young people the support and opportunities they need to succeed in the workforce. The government has stated that the jobs created through this scheme will not necessarily be in the same sectors, but will be located in specific regions. The scheme is expected to have a positive impact on the lives of many young people, providing them with the chance to gain valuable work experience and skills.
Details of the Scheme
The scheme will begin with a dedicated work support session, followed by four weeks of intensive support. During this time, young people will have the opportunity to work with an employment coach who will help them to identify their strengths and weaknesses, and develop a plan to achieve their career goals. After the intensive support period, the employment coach will refer the young person to one of six pathways: work, work experience, apprenticeship, wider training, learning, or a workplace training programme with a guaranteed interview. This will provide young people with a range of options and opportunities to choose from, and will help them to find a career path that is right for them.
Government Expectations
The government has high expectations for the success of this scheme. They expect that over 1,000 young people will start a job in the first six months of the scheme, and that many more will benefit from the support and opportunities provided. The government believes that every young person deserves a fair chance to succeed, and that with the right support and opportunities, they will be able to achieve their goals. The funding for this scheme is seen as a "downpayment on young people’s future", and the government is committed to providing the support and resources needed to help young people succeed.
Criticism of the Scheme
Not everyone is convinced that the scheme will be effective in addressing the issue of youth unemployment. Shadow work and pensions secretary Helen Whately has criticized the government’s measures, saying that the Chancellor’s tax hikes are driving up youth unemployment and snatching careers from a generation of young people. She believes that the scheme is not enough to address the problem, and that it is simply a case of "taking with one hand to give with the other". This criticism highlights the challenges and complexities of addressing the issue of youth unemployment, and the need for a comprehensive and effective solution.
Future Plans
Further plans are expected to be set out in the coming week as the government prepares to publish its national youth strategy. This strategy will provide a framework for supporting young people and providing them with the opportunities they need to succeed. The government is committed to working with young people, employers, and other stakeholders to develop a comprehensive and effective approach to addressing the issue of youth unemployment. By working together, it is hoped that the government can make a positive impact on the lives of young people and provide them with the support and opportunities they need to achieve their goals.
