Can the chancellor really solve youth unemployment?

Rachel Reeves has pledged to “abolish” long-term youth unemployment, targeting those aged 18 to 24 years who’ve been, broadly speaking, out of work, education or training for 18 months, and on universal credit.

- SEAN O'GRADY

At that point, if all else has failed, they’ll be offered some sort of paid work experience. The policy went down well at the Labour conference, but some may think they've heard this sort of talk before...

What did the chancellor say?

“Every young person will be guaranteed either a place in a college, for those who want to continue their studies, or an apprenticeship, to help them learn a trade vital to our plans to rebuild the country, or one-to-one support to find a job,” Reeves said. “But more than that, our guarantee will ensure that any young person out of work for 18 months will be given a paid work placement. Real work, practical experience, and new skills.”

She didn’t labour the point, but if the offer is rejected without reasonable justification (undefined), their benefits may be taken away, meaning potential destitution. The amount of “pay” for the placement is also unspecified, and presumably down to the firms involved.

Have any employers signed up for the scheme?

Not yet. No companies were announced alongside the scheme, though Labour suggests feedback has been encouraging.

What could go wrong?