UK government invests in youth workers to combat unemployment
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The UK government will train and employ 1000 new youth workers across England to provide specialized support to young people, particularly those at risk of becoming not in education, employment, or training (NEET).
This initiative responds to a 73% decrease in local authority spending on youth services between 2010 and 2023, which reduced the number of available youth worker positions.
The first of these new workers are expected to be in place by spring 2027, coinciding with a planned ban on social media for those under 16. The youth workers will collaborate with schools, healthcare providers, and crime prevention teams to offer activities like sports, arts, and mentoring. This program forms part of the government’s broader National Youth Strategy, “Youth Matters,” developed with input from 14,000 young people through a national survey.
The survey revealed many young people lack safe spaces and community connections, leading to increased reliance on online interaction. Alongside the new workers, a £450 million “Youth Matters” Fund will improve existing youth facilities and create new ones. The government aims to provide 500,000 more young people with access to a trusted adult by 2035 through this and other programs, including Young Futures Hubs and the Youth Guarantee.
This overall effort represents a more than £500 million investment in youth services over the next decade.
