JobsPlus pilot shows early promise for youth employment strategy

A government-funded pilot of the JobsPlus scheme across 10 English neighbourhoods has demonstrated promising early signs of effectiveness, with findings suggesting the model could be scaled up nationwide. The evaluation, conducted by the Institute for Employment Studies, indicates that the hyperlocal approach is successfully engaging residents who are typically further from the labour market.

Between July 2024 and December 2025, 27 per cent of the more than 1,000 participants achieved a positive employment outcome. In the vast majority of these cases, individuals moved from unemployment into a job, with a smaller number securing better employment. The trial, which is funded by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) until next March, focuses on areas of predominantly social housing where residents are almost twice as likely to be unemployed as the general population.

The scheme addresses a critical demographic challenge, with approximately 31 per cent of enrollees aged 16 to 24. This figure significantly exceeds the 12 per cent representation of this age group in the eligible locations, reflecting the broader national crisis where the number of young people not in employment, education, or training has exceeded one million for the first time in a decade. Employment Minister Diana Johnson stated that JobsPlus complements the government’s youth guarantee by reaching those who have fallen furthest from the system.

Participants reported notable improvements in mental health, including reduced anxiety, low mood, and social isolation, alongside enhanced resilience. The evaluation noted that these psychological improvements were often essential precursors to applying for roles or sustaining work. The model utilises community champions to engage hard-to-reach people, offering one-to-one support, financial assistance for barriers such as interview clothing, and connections to local employers and NHS services.

While the pilots included a £400 into work bonus for those who find a job and remain employed for two months, the evaluation described this financial incentive as useful but not central to successful outcomes. Stephen Evans, chief executive of the Learning and Work Institute, which is running the pilot schemes, welcomed the findings as a shift from analysis to action, emphasising the need for wrap-around support that understands participants as individuals.