We have received the following information from the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) advising that the grant application window is open for Phase One of the Jobs Guarantee Scheme – a major milestone in delivering the Government’s expanded Youth Guarantee.
The Jobs Guarantee will help break the cycle of long-term unemployment for young people by funding fully subsidised six-month paid jobs for eligible 18-to-21-year-olds who have been claiming Universal Credit and out of work for 18 months.
From now until 28 February 2026, organisations can apply to deliver Phase One of the scheme in six JCP districts:
- Birmingham & Solihull
- East Midlands
- Greater Manchester
- Hertfordshire & Essex
- Central & East Scotland, and
- Southwest & Southeast Wales
Applications from a wide range of organisations are welcome and further information is on GOV.UK.
For those organisations interested in becoming a ‘delivery organisation’ or ‘specialist service provider’ in Phase One, there will be an online Jobs Guarantee Application Guidance & Q&A Session on Thursday 5th February from 10 – 11 am.
To register please visit
If you require support or clarification in relation to the Grant guidance or your application, please email dwp.jobguaranteeteam@DWP.GOV.UK
Alongside funding the paid roles, the grant will also support successful partner organisations to deliver tailored wrap around support – this will include employability and in work skills support. Applicants are expected to demonstrate strong knowledge of their local job markets and provide plans to find and match young people to suitable jobs. This scheme will help young people take a crucial step towards sustained employment.
Employers have already shown strong interest in supporting the programme. Once successful delivery partners are appointed, they will work closely with employers —supported by DWP — to secure job opportunities for young people.
Phase One will provide jobs to more than 1,000 young people. This will be followed by national rollout of the Jobs Guarantee across Great Britain later in 2026 providing jobs to 55,000 young people in total over the next three years.
