Thousands of young disabled people and those with long-term health conditions are set to be offered a guaranteed job under a newly expanded employment scheme announced by the government.
From next year, eligible young people on health benefits will be able to voluntarily take up a job offer from week 13 after their Work Capability Assessment.
They will receive mentoring and tailored support with their mental health, finances and housing to prepare them for work, while employers will be supported with onboarding costs.
The government will also cover 100% of wage costs up to 25 hours a week for six months.
The move marks an expansion of the Jobs Guarantee, a government scheme launched earlier this year for long-term unemployed young people aged 18 to 24 who have been claiming Universal Credit for 18 months.
The expansion to young people on health benefits will start from April 2027.
It comes as part of the government’s efforts to tackle the UK’s persistently high disability employment gap, including the ‘right to try’ announced earlier this year, which will enable those on sickness benefits to try work without the immediate fear of losing their benefits.
An interim report published by former MP Alan Milburn found that nearly half (45%) of young people who are not in employment, education or training in the UK report having a disability - more than doubling from 21.1% in 2013/14.
Disability sector reaction
Disability charities have welcomed the announcement, while warning that the jobs offered to young people must be accessible and enable career development.
Harriet Edwards, Director of Influencing at the national disability charity Sense, said: “We welcome investment that gives more young disabled people the opportunity to get into work. Too many who want to work are still locked out by barriers, including a lack of appropriate support, inaccessible workplaces and negative attitudes.
“These jobs must be accessible, work for the individual and lead to lasting opportunities. Young disabled people need tailored support and inclusive workplaces, and success should be measured not just by how many start a job, but whether they have the support and opportunities to build the future they choose.”
Dr Sarah Hughes, CEO of Mind, said: “For far too long young people have been let down, with less opportunities and support than previous generations. Focussing on providing genuine opportunity to harness their motivations and ambitions is a really positive step forward, and we look forward to seeing the full detail.”
Jon Sparkes OBE, Chief Executive of Mencap, said that earlier access to paid work, tailored support and mentoring could help prevent young people with learning disabilities from becoming trapped in long-term unemployment.
He added: The voluntary nature of the scheme will give young people with a learning disability the confidence to explore work opportunities and show what they can do, without losing the support they need. If delivered well, with backing from employers and vital support like Access to Work, this could help tackle the NEETs crisis and get more young people with a learning disability into work.”