The government has launched the Youth Jobs Grant, offering businesses £3,000 for every eligible young person they hire aged 18 to 24 who has been claiming Universal Credit and looking for work for six months, as part of a wider £2.5 billion drive to tackle youth unemployment.

The grant, which launched on Tuesday, aims to support up to 60,000 young people into work over the next three years, with payments made in two instalments once employment is verified by the Department for Work and Pensions.

Young people with health conditions and disabilities are eligible to participate, and all participants receive pre-employment support including skills training and soft skills development.

Expanded jobcentre support is now available at every jobcentre across Great Britain, with nearly one million young people on Universal Credit set to receive more intensive, tailored support from a dedicated work coach from week 13 of their claim.

The government has published guidance to support participating employers in applying to the Scheme and meeting the conditions of the grant.