The Future Jobs Fund was a government programme that provided six-month paid jobs for young people aged 18 to 24 who had been out of work for at least six months. It was created by the Labour government in 2009 in response to rising youth unemployment following the financial crisis. The Future Jobs Fund closed in March 2011 and no longer exists. This page explains what replaced it and what equivalent support is available for young people and employers in 2026.
The Future Jobs Fund Has Closed
The Future Jobs Fund was discontinued in March 2011 when the coalition government ended it one year ahead of schedule as part of wider public spending reductions. During its operation it created approximately 105,000 temporary jobs for young people across the UK. The scheme was replaced by the Work Programme in June 2011, which in turn was replaced by the Work and Health Programme in 2017. A similar scheme called Kickstart operated between 2020 and March 2022 before also closing.
If you were searching for the Future Jobs Fund because you are looking for employment support as a young person, or because you are an employer interested in subsidised youth recruitment, there are current government schemes in 2026 that serve the same purpose.
What Replaced the Future Jobs Fund — Current Schemes in 2026
The Jobs Guarantee
The Jobs Guarantee is the closest current equivalent to the Future Jobs Fund. Announced by the Labour government as part of its Youth Guarantee programme, the Jobs Guarantee provides six months of paid work of up to 25 hours per week to eligible young people aged 18 to 24 who have been on Universal Credit for 18 months or more without finding work or entering education.
The scheme began rolling out from Spring 2026 in six areas with the highest levels of youth unemployment: Birmingham and Solihull, East Midlands, Greater Manchester, Hertfordshire and Essex, Central and East Scotland, and Southwest and Southeast Wales. In its initial phase the scheme is open to 18 to 21-year-olds. From Autumn 2026 it will expand to cover all eligible 18 to 24-year-olds as the scheme rolls out more widely across Great Britain. The government estimates the Jobs Guarantee will support around 90,000 young people over three years.
If you are aged 18 to 24, claiming Universal Credit and have been looking for work for an extended period, ask your work coach at your local Jobcentre Plus whether you are eligible for the Jobs Guarantee in your area.
Youth Jobs Grant
The Youth Jobs Grant is a new employer incentive launching in June 2026. Employers across Great Britain can receive a grant of £3,000 for every person aged 18 to 24 they hire who has been on Universal Credit and looking for work for six months or more. The grant is designed to reduce hiring costs and encourage businesses to take on young people who have found it difficult to secure employment.
The government expects the Youth Jobs Grant to support around 60,000 young people into work over three years. Employers interested in registering for the Youth Jobs Grant when it opens in June 2026 can register their interest at business.gov.uk.
Apprenticeships
From 2026 the government is also paying a subsidy of £2,000 to small and medium-sized businesses for each new apprentice they take on aged 16 to 24. New foundation apprenticeships in sectors including hospitality and retail have been introduced alongside expanded provision aligned with the government's Industrial Strategy priorities. Apprenticeships allow young people to earn a wage while gaining qualifications and work experience.
Young people can search for apprenticeship vacancies at gov.uk/apply-apprenticeship. Employers can find information on apprenticeship incentives at gov.uk/guidance/employing-an-apprentice.
No One Left Behind and Fair Start Scotland
In Scotland, the No One Left Behind programme provides personalised employability support for people facing barriers to employment. Fair Start Scotland offers voluntary support for disabled people and people with health conditions. Both programmes are available through Skills Development Scotland and local employability partnerships, and are separate from DWP programmes. Contact Skills Development Scotland on 0800 917 8000 for more information.
Support Available Through Jobcentre Plus
If you are aged 18 to 24 and looking for work, your local Jobcentre Plus work coach can help you access the full range of current employment support available in your area. This includes referral to the Jobs Guarantee, Sector-Based Work Academies providing pre-employment training with guaranteed interviews, Flexible Support Fund grants to cover practical costs such as interview clothing and travel, and referrals to local training and skills programmes.
Use our Jobcentre Plus office directory to find your nearest office with address, telephone numbers and opening hours.
Search UK Jobs on CV-Library
While you are looking for work, CV-Library lists thousands of UK vacancies across all sectors. Upload your CV for free and start applying today.
Search Jobs on CV-LibraryKey Employment Support for Young People in 2026 — Summary
- Future Jobs Fund — closed March 2011, no longer available
- Jobs Guarantee — 6 months paid work for 18-24 year olds on UC for 18+ months, rolling out from Spring 2026, expanding Autumn 2026
- Youth Jobs Grant — £3,000 grant to employers hiring 18-24 year olds on UC for 6+ months, launching June 2026
- Apprenticeships — £2,000 SME subsidy for each new apprentice aged 16-24 from 2026
- Sector-Based Work Academies — free pre-employment training with guaranteed interviews through Jobcentre Plus
- Flexible Support Fund — discretionary grants for practical work-related costs through your work coach
