Commons Sense

House of Commons · Written Ministerial Statement

Youth Employment

16 March 2026 · Department for Work and Pensions

Proposed by Pat McFadden Lab Wolverhampton South East

EconomyEducationEmployment

Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.

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At a glance

Key points

  • The government is committing an additional 1 billion to create up to 200,000 job and apprenticeship opportunities for young people starting in April.
  • The Jobs Guarantee will be rolled out in phases across selected regions before a national launch later in the year.
  • Reforms include expanding Foundation Apprenticeships into hospitality and retail sectors and introducing new Apprenticeship Units aligned with Industrial Strategy priorities.

Issue summary

The statement discusses additional funding and reforms aimed at supporting youth employment through the Youth Guarantee and Growth and Skills Levy.

Action requested

The government is committing an additional £1 billion to create up to 200,000 job and apprenticeship opportunities for young people. The Jobs Guarantee will start in April with a phased rollout across selected regions, followed by a national launch later this year. Additionally, reforms include expanding Foundation Apprenticeships into hospitality and retail sectors, introducing new Apprenticeship Units aligned with Industrial Strategy priorities, and prioritising youth apprenticeship starts while defunding certain standards.

Key facts

  • Chancellor committed more than £1.5 billion to the Youth Guarantee.
  • Additional £1 billion is being invested in the Youth Guarantee and Growth and Skills Levy reform.
  • Up to 200,000 jobs and apprenticeship opportunities will be unlocked by April.
  • The total investment into the Youth Guarantee and Growth and Skills Levy reforms is £2.5 billion over three years.
  • The Jobs Guarantee will start in April for 18-21-year-olds in specified regions, followed by a national rollout for 18-24 year-olds in Autumn.
  • Foundation Apprenticeships are expanding into hospitality and retail sectors.
  • New Apprenticeship Units aligned with AI, construction, engineering priorities are being introduced.
  • Three leadership and management apprenticeship standards will be defunded to prioritise youth apprenticeships.
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