Pat McFadden to unveil £1bn plan to create 200,000 new youth jobs | The IndependentNotifications can be managed in browser preferences.Jump to contentIndependentSwipe for next articleIndependent Bulletin homepageDownload our appAllNewsSportCultureLifestyleDavid LynchMonday 16 March 2026 01:30 GMTPat McFadden will make the announcement on Monday (PA Wire)Work and Pensions Secretary Pat McFadden is set to announce a £1 billion package on Monday, aiming to create 200,000 jobs and incentivise employers to hire young people.The initiative seeks to reverse the increasing number of 'Neets' – young people not in education, employment or training.Key measures include a new Youth Jobs Grant offering businesses £3,000 for hiring 18-24 year olds unemployed for six months, and a £2,000 apprenticeship incentive for small and medium-sized businesses hiring 16-24 year olds.The existing jobs guarantee, providing a six-month role for Universal Credit claimants unemployed for 18 months, will be expanded to include those up to 24 years old.The plan has garnered support from Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer and chef Tom Kerridge, but faces criticism from the Conservative opposition, who argue it will hinder job creation.In fullUK government to launch £1bn plan to tackle youth unemploymentThank you for registeringPlease refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in