Rachel Reeves is pitching a ‘youth jobs guarantee’ to give under-25s a fair shot at work. Do you think it will work?
Chancellor Rachel Reeves is gearing up for Labour’s conference in Liverpool with a big promise aimed squarely at young people struggling to get a foot on the jobs ladder.
Her headline policy – a “youth jobs guarantee” – means that anyone under 25 who’s been stuck on Universal Credit for a year and a half without working or studying will be offered paid work. And we want to know if you think it’s a good idea – by taking our poll below.
She’ll insist on “hard work matched by fair reward,” pitching the policy as part of a society built on contribution.
But Reeves is refusing to rule out tough measures in her vow to plug a £30billion black hole in the nation’s finances – despite Labour’s pledge not to raise income tax, National Insurance or VAT.
Alongside Reeves’ big pitch, Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood is preparing to announce new rules for migrants hoping to settle permanently in the UK. The proposals include a stronger English language requirement, a clean criminal record, and even a demand to volunteer in the community before being granted indefinite leave to remain. It’s a package that, much like Reeves’ plan, mixes opportunity with obligation.
Will Reeves’ plan for jobs work? Take our poll below and have your say in the comments below. If you can’t see the poll, click here
The big question, though, is whether this youth jobs guarantee can actually deliver what it promises. Offering work to long-term unemployed young people sounds good on paper, but it depends on whether the roles created are meaningful, sustainable, and lead to real careers – not just short-term placements that disappear as quickly as they arrive. There’s also the issue of funding. Finding decent jobs for thousands of young people isn’t cheap, and if Reeves is already trying to plug a huge financial gap without turning to the main tax levers, it raises doubts about where the money will come from.
Ms Reeves is expected to say: “I believe in a Britain founded on contribution – where we do our duty for each other, and where hard work is matched by fair reward.
“I believe in a Britain based on opportunity – where ordinary kids can flourish, unhindered by their background.
“And I believe that Britain’s real wealth is found not only in the success of the fortunate few, but in the talents of all our people, in every part of our great country.”
So what do YOU think? Will Reeves’ plan for jobs work? Take our poll above and expand on your feelings in the comments below