Labour Expands Youth Work and Training Schemes to Tackle Employment Crisis

The Labour government is expanding youth work experience and training programmes as part of efforts to tackle rising youth unemployment across the UK.

Work and Pensions Secretary Pat McFadden is set to announce plans to create 300,000 additional work experience placements over the next three years.

The move comes after former Labour minister Alan Milburn warned that Britain is spending significantly more supporting young people out of work than helping them find employment.

According to government figures, nearly one million people aged 16 to 24 are currently not in education, employment or training (NEET), while almost 60% have never had a job.

McFadden described the situation as a “quiet crisis” and warned it could have long-term consequences for young people’s future careers.

He said many traditional entry-level jobs have disappeared in recent years due to changes in the retail sector and disruption caused by the Covid pandemic.

The expanded programme includes increased access to Sector-based Work Academy Programmes, known as SWAPs, which provide six-week training courses linked to guaranteed job interviews.

Government analysis suggests young people who participate in these schemes are 13% more likely to be employed two years later compared with those who do not take part.

Officials said about 40% of participants move into long-term employment within six months.

Construction remains the largest sector involved in the programme, while employers including Manchester Airport Group, JD and Gatwick Airport are supporting expanded placement opportunities.

Speaking about the issue, Milburn said Britain risks failing an entire generation as opportunities become harder to access.

He also highlighted rising numbers of young people dealing with work-limiting health conditions, particularly challenges linked to mental health and neurodiversity.

The government hopes the expanded schemes will help more young people gain workplace experience and improve access to employment opportunities.