Youth Jobs Grant available for Third Sector employers

Employers across Great Britain can now apply for funding through the Youth Jobs Grant, a scheme designed to help create job opportunities for young people aged 18-24 who have been claiming Universal Credit and looking for work for six months or more.

Part of the wider Youth Guarantee, the scheme provides financial support to employers who recruit eligible young people into suitable paid roles. The grant is available to organisations of all sizes operating in Scotland, England and Wales, including businesses, sole traders, charities, voluntary organisations, social enterprises and local authorities.

The scheme opened for applications on 30th June 2026 and is expected to remain open to new applicants until 31st October 2028, subject to funding availability and any future changes to the programme.

Who can benefit?

The Youth Jobs Grant is available to eligible young people who:

• Are aged 18-24.
• Live in Scotland, England or Wales.
• Are claiming Universal Credit.
• Have been unemployed or seeking work for at least six months.
• Are referred or identified as eligible through Jobcentre Plus.

Young people who meet these criteria can be recruited into roles registered through the scheme by approved employers.

Funding available to employers

Eligible employers can receive up to £3,000 for each qualifying young person recruited. The grant is designed to support recruitment, training and wage costs, helping employers create meaningful opportunities for young people entering or returning to the workplace.

Funding is paid in two stages following payroll verification through HMRC:

• £1,800 after six weeks of employment.
• £1,200 after 18 weeks of employment.

Funding is subject to availability and scheme conditions.

Who can apply?

Organisations of any size may be eligible to apply, including private sector employers, sole traders intending to employ staff, charities, voluntary organisations, social enterprises and other third sector bodies.

To qualify, organisations must:

• Operate in Great Britain.
• Be actively trading or operating.
• Have been operating for at least six months.
• Be registered with HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC).
• Have an established PAYE scheme.
• Meet the scheme’s eligibility requirements and pass any necessary checks.

While central government departments cannot apply, local authorities and non-profit organisations are eligible to participate.

What jobs are eligible?

Roles supported through the Youth Jobs Grant must provide a genuine opportunity for a young person and support their progression into employment.

Eligible jobs must:

• Provide at least 25 contracted hours per week.
• Last for a minimum of four months.
• Pay at least the applicable National Minimum Wage or National Living Wage.
• Be a genuine vacancy that does not replace an existing worker.
• Be lawful, safe, suitable and comparable to similar roles offered outside the scheme.

The grant is intended to complement normal recruitment activity rather than replace it, supporting employers to expand opportunities and create additional jobs for young people.

How to apply

Applications can be submitted online through the Find a Grant service.

Once approved, employers can submit vacancies and begin recruiting eligible candidates. In most cases, organisations only need to apply once and may then be able to submit additional vacancies without making a further application.

Employers are encouraged to review the full grant guidance and terms and conditions before applying.

Further information and support

Organisations requiring assistance with the application process can contact the Employer Services Line.

• Telephone: 0800 169 0178 (freephone)
• Opening hours: Monday-Friday, 9am-5pm (excluding weekends and bank holidays)

The Youth Jobs Grant provides an opportunity for employers across Great Britain to invest in future talent while helping young people gain valuable experience, develop skills and move into long-term employment.