The Strategic Mailing Partnership (SMP) has welcomed the Government’s launch of the Jobs Guarantee scheme, noting its potential relevance for workforce development across the print and mailing industries and the wider communications supply chain.
The Jobs Guarantee provides fully subsidised six month paid employment for eligible 18 to 21 year olds who have been claiming Universal Credit and seeking work for eighteen months.
Under the scheme, Government funding covers one hundred percent of eligible wage costs for twenty five hours per week at the relevant minimum wage. Delivery organisations may also receive funding of up to £2,650 per participant to provide employability support, in work assistance, and programme administration.
“The Jobs Guarantee creates a real opportunity for young people who’ve been out of work to gain paid experience and the support they need to move forward. For print and mailing businesses, where skills, consistency, and future talent are critical, fully funded entry level roles could help attract and develop the next generation,” says Lucy Swanston, Chair of the Strategic Mailing Partnership.
Employers, delivery organisations, and specialist partners can initially apply to participate until 28 February 2026, with guidance sessions and drop in webinars available to assist with the application process. Phase One is expected to begin in Spring 2026, with job starts anticipated between April and October 2026 and overall completion by April 2027.
The Jobs Guarantee will initially cover Birmingham and Solihull, East Midlands, Greater Manchester, Hertfordshire and Essex, Central and East Scotland and Southwest and Southeast Wales.
Youth Hubs are also expected to expand to more than 360 locations across the UK to support the scheme, offering access to CV advice, skills training, wellbeing support, housing guidance, and careers information.
Lucy adds: “The scheme creates an opportunity for employers to think about recruitment in a more measured, supported way, while also playing a part in widening access to the workforce.
“The Strategic Mailing Partnership encourages organisations across the industry to explore the detail of the scheme, consider how it fits with their operational needs, and get involved where participation can help create sustainable employment opportunities for both young people and businesses.”
Organisations seeking further detail can access:•
Official guidance and application documentation via:
gov.uk/government/publications/jobs-guarantee•
Applications to the scheme can be made here:
find-government-grants.service.gov.uk/grants/the-jobs-guarantee-1•
DWP hosted application guidance and webinar sessions on Feb 19th and 26th can be found here:
find-government-grants.service.gov.uk/grants/the-jobs-guarantee-1#infowww.thestrategicmailingpartnership.co.uk