UK government launches schemes to support young workers in Essex

Employment minister Andrew Western has highlighted government-backed initiatives designed to assist unemployed residents aged 16 to 24 in Essex. During a visit to Essex County Council’s Connect to Work programme, Western noted that £2.5 billion is being allocated toward the Youth Guarantee and other interventions to support young people entering the workforce.

Key measures include the Youth Guarantee, which offers a fully funded six-month job placement to young people who have been claiming Universal Credit for 18 months. Additionally, the Youth Jobs Grant provides £3,000 to employers hiring young people who have been on Universal Credit for at least six months, while small and medium-sized businesses can receive £2,000 for employing individuals under 25.

The initiatives aim to address local unemployment challenges, including in areas like Basildon where nearly one in 10 young people are out of work. Since April 2025, approximately 6,500 young people have enrolled in the Connect to Work programme nationally, with over 1,000 participants in Essex.