Thousands of young disabled people and those with long-term health conditions are to be offered fast-tracked job placements under a voluntary expansion of the government’s Jobs Guarantee scheme.
Work and Pensions Secretary Pat McFadden has confirmed that the initiative, designed to tackle the widening disability employment gap, will begin in April 2027. The programme specifically targets young people aged 18 to 24 who are currently receiving health or disability-related benefits.
Under the terms of the expansion, the government will fund 100% of wage costs for participants. This coverage will apply for up to 25 hours per week at the National Minimum Wage for a duration of six months. The move is part of a broader £3.5 billion employment reform package aimed at helping 90,000 young people into work by the end of the current Parliament.
Fast-tracked support and eligibility
A key feature of the new provision is the speed at which young people can access help. While the standard Jobs Guarantee often requires an 18-month waiting period, those on health-related benefits will be able to join the scheme just 13 weeks after their Work Capability Assessment (WCA).
The government noted that the number of young people who are not in education, employment, or training (NEET) and report a disability has doubled to 45% over the last decade. By fast-tracking access, ministers hope to prevent long-term detachment from the labour market.
The scheme is designed to be voluntary, offering a “right to try” guarantee. This provision allows those on sickness benefits to test their ability to work without the immediate risk of losing their benefit status or having to undergo a fresh assessment if the role does not work out. This addresses a common concern among claimants that entering employment might permanently jeopardise their financial security.
Support for employers and participants
To encourage businesses to take part, the government is offering £250 per participant to cover onboarding costs. Delivery partners, who will provide wrap-around support such as mentoring and help with mental health, housing, or personal finances, will receive up to £2,650 per head.
The support package is intended to ensure that both the employer and the young person have the necessary tools to make the placement successful. National partners, including retail giant Boots, have already been identified as part of the wider Jobs Guarantee framework.
The initiative arrives as part of a wider shift in welfare policy, moving away from a system focused primarily on assessment towards one focused on active employment support. Officials state that the tailored help will focus on the individual’s strengths and the specific barriers they face due to their health conditions.
While the full rollout is not scheduled until 2027, the government plans to use the intervening period to finalise delivery partnerships and ensure the infrastructure is in place to support the anticipated 90,000 participants across the UK.
