Latest news: Youth Contract opens

Nearly half a million young people are set to benefit as £1billion becomes available to get them into jobs and training. 03/04/2012

The Youth Contract, launched by Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg and Minister for Employment Chris Grayling, supports businesses to get young people earning or learning. The government is determined to tackle youth unemployment and those out of work aged 16 to 24 are urged to go to their Job Centres today to ask about the opportunities available to them.

Businesses can now take on under 25s, with 160,000 wage incentives worth up to £2,275 per person. The process has been made simple for businesses and the amount is more than enough to cover an organisation’s National Insurance contributions for employing a young person for a year.

An additional 250,000 work experience places will be provided over the next three years. Every 18 to 24 year-old Jobseekers Allowance claimant who wants work experience will now be able to take up a placement before receiving more intensive support offered through the Work Programme.

There are also an extra 20,000 incentive payments to encourage smaller businesses to recruit their first apprentices and, from the summer, there will be additional support for the most disengaged 16 and 17-year-olds in England.

Extra resources will also allow advisers based in each of the 741 Jobcentre Plus  offices to spend more time working with young people, as well as providing a National Careers Service interview.

Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg said, ‘We’re determined to tackle youth unemployment and set young people on the path to work before long-term damage is done. Today is a major moment for Britain’s unemployed young people. The message is clear - if you’re under 25 and don’t have a job, we are putting the money in to get you earning or learning through the Youth Contract. If you want to work or train, then we - together with businesses - will help you.’