The UK Government has announced two significant initiatives: the New Youth Guarantee aimed at supporting young people with paid work placements, and library funding to ensure all primary schools have access to libraries by the end of the Parliament. These initiatives focus on reducing youth unemployment and improving educational equity through enhanced access to reading resources.
The government has accepted Low Pay Commission recommendations, confirming a rise in minimum wages effective April 2025. The increase covers millions of jobs, narrows age-based pay gaps, and ensures wages keep pace with inflationary pressures.
The UK government is implementing a Digital ID scheme to modernize identity verification processes. The initiative aims to enhance security, improve access to services, and reduce identity fraud through a secure, smartphone-based identity solution. By the end of the current Parliament, this system will be available to all UK citizens and legal residents.
The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) offers a government-backed savings scheme called Help to Save. This allows Universal Credit claimants to earn up to £1,200 in tax-free bonuses over four years. By contributing between £1 and £50 a month, participants can grow their savings while receiving a 50% government top-up, providing significant financial support to low-income households.
