Government Jobs Guarantee Grant Scheme
Posted on Jan 30, 2026 Tags:The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has opened the grant application window for Phase One of the Jobs Guarantee Scheme, a major milestone in delivering the Government’s expanded Youth Guarantee.
The Job Guarantee will help break the cycle of long-term unemployment for young people by funding subsidised six-month paid jobs for eligible 18 to 21 year olds who have been claiming Universal Credit and out of work for 18 months.
From 29 January until 28 February 2026, organisations can apply to deliver Phase One of the scheme in six Jobcentre Plus districts:
- Birmingham and Solihull
- East Midlands
- Greater Manchester
- Hertfordshire and Essex
- Central and East Scotland
- Southwest and Southeast Wales
Applications from a wide range of organisations are welcome and further information is on Gov.uk.
Organisations interested in becoming a ‘delivery organisation ‘or ‘specialist service provider’ in Phase One, there will be a Jobs Guarantee Application Guidance and Q&A session on Thursday, 5 February from 10-11am. Click on this link to register.
Alongside funding the paid roles, the grant will also support successful partner organisations to deliver tailored wrap around support – this will include employability and in work skills support. Applicants are expected to demonstrate strong knowledge of their local job markets and provide plans to find and match young people to suitable jobs. The scheme will help young people take a crucial step towards sustained employment.
Employers have already shown strong interest in supporting the programme. Once successful delivery partners are appointed, they will work closely with employers, supported by DWP, to secure job opportunities for young people.
Phase One will provide jobs to more than 1,000 young people. This will be followed by national rollout of the Jobs Guarantee across Great Britain later in 2026 providing jobs to 55,000 young people in total over the next three years.
