DWP Launches £2.5 Billion Youth Employment Plan to Help One Million Young People

The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has unveiled a major new initiative aimed at tackling youth unemployment across the UK, backed by a £2.5 billion investment designed to support one million young people into work, education, or training.

The programme, known as the Youth Guarantee, is intended to ensure that young people have greater access to employment opportunities, skills development, and educational pathways. The Government says the initiative will play a key role in addressing the growing number of young people who are not currently in education, employment, or training (NEET).

As part of the reforms, former Marks & Spencer chief executive Marc Bolland has been appointed to help drive the programme forward. Bolland will work closely with government officials to bring business perspectives into policy implementation and support efforts to create more opportunities for young people entering the workforce.

Work and Pensions Secretary Pat McFadden described youth unemployment as a long-standing challenge that requires urgent action. He said too many young people have been left without adequate support for years and emphasized the Government’s commitment to reversing the trend.

McFadden also highlighted the importance of the ongoing review led by Alan Milburn, which is examining the underlying causes behind youth disengagement from work and education. The findings are expected to help shape future policies and improve support services.

In addition, the DWP has launched a wider review into how assistance can be strengthened for young people facing health-related barriers to employment. Officials will work alongside employers, charities, disability organizations, and young people themselves to identify effective solutions.

Marc Bolland welcomed the appointment, saying he was honored to join the effort. Drawing on his experience as founder and chairman of Movement to Work, he noted that the organization has already helped more than 200,000 young people who were previously not in education, employment, or training secure jobs and career opportunities.

Bolland said collaboration between government and businesses would be essential to tackling what he described as a generational challenge. He expressed confidence that providing practical work experience, training, and support would give young people the best possible chance of building successful careers.

The Government hopes the Youth Guarantee will become a cornerstone of its strategy to boost employment, strengthen workforce skills, and improve long-term economic prospects for young people throughout the UK.