Government support for recruitment

What is the Youth Guarantee? 

The Youth Guarantee is the government’s commitment to ensure that every young person aged 16–24 has the support and opportunities to get into work or education. 

For employers, the Youth Guarantee offers access to fully funded training, financial incentives and a pipeline of young talent. This support is designed to help you fill skills gaps today while investing in your future workforce. 

In most cases, employers automatically pay no employer National Insurance (NI) contributions for employees under 21 and are not required to pay NI for apprentices under 25 (for wages below £50,270 a year). 

Sport and Physical Activity Employability Academy 

Employers can get involved in the Sport and Physical Employability Academy, created in partnership with CIMSPA and the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP). 

Through referral from Jobcentre Plus local teams, jobseekers will be able to join DWP’s Sport and Physical Activity Employability Academy where they will receive dedicated pre-employment support and experience within the sector followed by the opportunity to gain an accredited, recognised qualification and a guaranteed job interview. CIMSPA is working with its employer partners and its endorsed education providers that have met the highest level of quality assurance to enable the Sport and Physical Activity Employability Academy to provide experiences and learning that meets the sector’s employment needs. 

The Employability Academy will also provide the individuals with sector-recognised professional status, which will boost their employability and enable them to take on roles which help more people in their community become physically active. 

As an employer, you can provide an individual with a high-quality work placement, mentorship and a guaranteed job interview.

Youth Hubs 

Youth Hubs are community-based spaces where 16–24 year olds can access employment support, skills training and wider services to help them move into work. They bring together Jobcentre Plus work coaches and local partners and employers, all under one roof. 

Employers can support their area by working with Jobcentre Plus and local partners to host activities, offer work experience, employment opportunities, training placements, interviews, sector insights and mentoring. 

Youth Jobs Grant 

The Government have introduced an employer incentive worth £3,000 to employers who recruit young people aged 18–24 across Great Britain who have been on Universal Credit for six months. 

Jobs Guarantee 

The Jobs Guarantee will guarantee a six-month paid job for up to 25 hours a week at minimum wage for every eligible 18–24-year-old who has been on Universal Credit and looking for work for 18 months, with the government covering 100% of employment costs. 

Some of these employer incentives can be stacked, enabling you to make the most out of what the government are offering for employing young people and increasing employability across the country. Speak to your local CIMSPA workforce development manager for more information on stackable offers.