Businesses in England, Scotland and Wales can claim £3,000 for every long-term unemployed young person they hire under a new government scheme to boost youth employment.
The Youth Jobs Grant aims to help up to 60,000 young people aged 18 to 24 into work over the next three years, while supporting businesses to grow. The funding is available to employers who recruit a young person who has been claiming Universal Credit and looking for work for six months or more.
As well as providing financial support to employers, the scheme is designed to help businesses access motivated young talent and create more entry routes into employment.
Employers must complete an online application, after which the Jobcentre will identify suitable candidates. If a candidate is recruited, the employer will receive the funding in two instalments. Merlin Entertainments is among the first employers to back the scheme and has committed to creating 300 jobs for young people over the next three years.