Sun, 07 Dec 2025

Sun, 07 Dec 2025 Young people to lose benefits if they turn down work, says minister

Pat McFadden says they would need a "good reason" to decline one of 55,000 new work placements.

* Young people on Universal Credit who refuse a taxpayer-funded job offer after 18 months without work will lose their benefits.
* The government has announced 55,000 six-month placements in areas such as construction and hospitality, starting next April.
* Employers taking part in the scheme have not yet been confirmed, but ministers say new opportunities will be created in various sectors.
* The placements will be fully subsidised for 25 hours a week, paid at the minimum wage from an £820m pot allocated until 2029.
* The government aims to create 350,000 training and work experience placements.
* Employers are expected to offer job roles that match the skills of the young people, but it's unclear what specific jobs will be available.
* Ministers say young people who refuse a job offer after 18 months without work must have a "good reason" for declining, which could include family emergencies or health reasons.
* The government expects over 1,000 young people to start a job within the first six months of the scheme.
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