Youth Jobs Grant
Department for Work and Pensions
What it funds
The Youth Jobs Grant Scheme launched on 30 June 2026 across Great Britain (GB). The scheme is designed to support employers recruit and train young people, addressing the high levels of youth unemployment and inactivity we see in the current labour market. The scheme aims to support up to 60,000 job opportunities over three years, approximately 20,000 per year, and is expected to be open to employers of all sizes and sectors and eligible claimants. The Youth Jobs Grant will operate for three yea
Who can apply
The grant applies to jobs where an employer recruits to a job registered with the scheme, a young person aged 18 to 24 who has been in receipt of Universal Credit and out of work for at least 6 months. The job must meet the scheme requirements, and all relevant checks must be completed before any payment is made. To take part in the Youth Jobs Grant, employers must meet the following eligibility criteria: operating in Great Britain registered with HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) actively trading, with a minimum trading history of six months meet due diligence checks Employers are expected to provide accurate and complete information as part of their application. They must meet the eligibility and suitability criteria for the scheme, confirm when a young person starts employment, and comply with the scheme terms and conditions at all times. Applications are assessed by a central team within the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) before participation in the scheme is confirmed.
How to apply
Complete the online application form, selecting the ‘Start new application’ button at the top of the page. Create an account and apply, using the form provided to submit details needed to assess employer eligibility and suitability for the scheme. If an application is successful, the employer will be invited to provide details of vacancies. This initial application only needs to happen once and additional vacancies can be submitted without the need to re-apply. If an application is not successful, the employer will be notified of the outcome. The grant guidance sets out the circumstances in which a decision can be appealed. By applying for this grant, you agree that you have reviewed and will comply with the eligibility criteria for this grant and the Youth Jobs Grant Terms and Conditions which can be found at Youth-Jobs-Grant.GOV.UK
Last checked against the official source: 3 Jul 2026. Scheme parameters are set by the funder and can change — verify before applying, or let us do it for you.
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