New Government Funded Recruitment Support Available for Employers
9 June 2026 • Sarah Medcraf
Good afternoon,
I wanted to make you aware of two new government-funded recruitment programmes available through Jobcentre Plus that could help your business attract new talent while reducing recruitment costs.
These initiatives are designed to support employers to recruit, train and develop young people aged 18–24, whilst providing financial support to businesses.
Youth Jobs Grant – Launching 30 June 2026
The Youth Jobs Grant provides employers with £3,000 for every eligible young person recruited. To be eligible, the young person must be aged 18–24, receiving Universal Credit and have been actively seeking work for six months or more.
Benefits for your business:
• £3,000 grant for each eligible new recruit
• Reduced recruitment and onboarding costs
• Access to motivated young people actively looking for employment
• Opportunity to develop future talent and build a skilled workforce
If your business is planning to recruit and can offer an opportunity to a young person meeting the above criteria, you may be eligible for this funding.
Jobs Guarantee – Coming to Moray Autumn 2026
The Jobs Guarantee will support eligible young people aged 18–24 who have been receiving Universal Credit for 18 months or more by providing them with a six-month paid employment opportunity of up to 25 hours per week. The programme offers substantial financial support to employers, helping to reduce employment costs while supporting young people into sustainable employment.
Benefits for your business:
• Reimbursement of up to 25 hours per week at the age-relevant National Minimum Wage or National Living Wage for six months
• Employer National Insurance Contributions covered for six months
• Minimum automatic enrolment pension contributions covered, where applicable
• Additional support from local partners to help participants succeed in the workplace
• Opportunity to make a positive impact on youth employment within Moray
If either of these opportunities could benefit your business, please let me know and I can pass your details onto our local DWP Employer Advisers to discuss the programmes and eligibility requirements. Funding is expected to be allocated quickly, so I would encourage interested employers to get in touch as soon as possible to explore the opportunities available. More information can be found here.
I look forward to hearing from you.
Kind Regards,
Aimee Stephen
Apprenticeship Development and Marketing Manager
Developing the Young Workforce
Moray Regional Group