Youth Contract is a step forward, says REC

-

The Government has today formally launched its Youth Contract which aims to provide nearly half-a-million new opportunities for 18-24 year-olds. The scheme also includes wage incentives worth up to £2,275 each, for employers who can offer job-seekers from the Government’s Work Programme a job lasting at least 26 weeks.
Tom Hadley, Director of Policy & Professional Services at the Recruitment and Employment Confederation (REC) – the representative body for the UK recruitment industry, says:

“The Youth Contract recognises the need to meet the youth unemployment challenge head on and reflects recommendations put forward by the REC’s Youth Employment Taskforce – including financial incentives for employers. The fact that these only apply to job-seekers on the Government’s Work Programme may limit the impact, and wage incentives are only part of the solution as the overriding priority for business is to ensure that young people have the skills, competencies and commitment to make a difference.

“Looking ahead, employers and recruiters can play a leading role by working with schools and colleges to build better bridges into the world of work. The business community is committed to playing its part but Government can do more to develop a careers support and guidance network that enables young people to make more informed choices.

“The REC will continue to galvanise the involvement of the UK’s £25 billion recruitment industry through our Youth Employment Charter and to showcase the positive contribution that recruiters are already making”.

HRreview Logo

Get our essential weekday HR news and updates.

This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.
Keep up with the latest in HR...
This field is hidden when viewing the form
This field is hidden when viewing the form
Optin_date
This field is hidden when viewing the form

 

Pamela Flores is an events professional with experience at Symposium Events, a UK-based conference and events organization. She has worked in editorial and event coordination roles within the HR and expatriate management sector, contributing to the organization of major conferences including the Expatriate Management and Global Mobility conference. Her background spans online editorial work and events management within the professional conference industry.

Latest news

‘Job centre in your pocket’ plan raises questions over role of AI in employment support

The government's AI-powered employment assistant has sparked debate about how technology should support jobseekers while maintaining trust.

Employers urged to spot gambling harms during World Cup

Employers are being urged to watch for gambling-related harm at work as the 2026 World Cup brings weeks of daytime matches and betting activity.

Habits for health: small changes that lead to bigger gains

From walking meetings to better sleep routines, simple habits can improve health, wellbeing and performance across the workplace.

Jeanette Wheeler: The business case for purpose-led leadership

Public scrutiny on businesses and societal expectations are putting pressure on leaders to demonstrate that purpose runs deeper than profit.
- Advertisement -

Britain’s biggest retailers cut 18,000 jobs as employment costs rise

Rising wage bills and tax costs are prompting retailers to rethink hiring as they seek savings across their operations.

Georges Elhedery on AI and job losses

“We all know generative AI will destroy certain jobs and will create new jobs.”

Must read

Helena Parry: There’s no room for numbers in diversity

A recent survey of FTSE350 boards has found that they have...

Toby Mildon: Navigating the diversity and inclusion iceberg

Toby Mildon provides an analysis of the lack of diversity in our Government in his explanation of the 'diversity and inclusion iceberg'.
- Advertisement -

You might also likeRELATED
Recommended to you