Expansion of Jobs Guarantee scheme needed now to tackle NEETs crisis

17 Mar 2026

The government must act now and expand the Jobs Guarantee scheme that it is currently piloting to help more young people find work, says the Resolution Foundation.

The proportion of 16-24-year-olds not in employment, education or training (NEET) in England was 13.3% in 2025 according to Department for Education data.

Although that is slightly lower than 2024 the think tank warns it remains a wakeup call to the government.

Currently the Jobs Guarantee scheme is open to 18-21-year-olds who have been on Universal Credit (UC) and looking for work for at least 18 months.

If the government broadened eligibility to all 18-to-24-year-olds who have been on UC and looking for work for six months.

The Foundation estimates an additional 185,000 young jobseekers would be eligible for an extended scheme over three years, helping 'alleviate the scarring effect that youth unemployment has on opportunities later in life'.

Imogen Stone, Economist at the Resolution Foundation, says the figures are a 'stark reminder' that an increasing number of young people are struggling to find work.

Stone continues: 'These young jobseekers can't wait another six months for help, but fortunately the government has an almost ready-made solution to hand: it could open up its Jobs Guarantee to all Universal Credit claimants aged 18-24 who have been looking for work six months or more.

'This would cost around £500 million more a year, a price well worth paying to bring down youth unemployment and help a generation get a firm footing in the world of work.'