In September 2025, the UK Government introduced two key reforms to support young people and enhance educational resources. The New Youth Guarantee aims to provide paid work opportunities for young individuals who have been on Universal Credit for over 18 months and are neither in employment nor in education.
In addition, the government has committed to funding libraries for every primary school in England. This initiative addresses the educational inequality faced by students in schools without library access, ensuring that all children have access to books and reading materials by the end of the current Parliament.
Too many young people are not in education, employment or training.
That’s why the government has announced a new Youth Guarantee — ensuring eligible young people on Universal Credit for 18 months without earning or learning will be offered a job.https://t.co/FJ1LOPmw4l
— UK Prime Minister (@10DowningStreet) September 29, 2025
Table of Contents
The Youth Guarantee: Objective and Features
The Youth Guarantee is designed to tackle long-term youth unemployment by offering young people who are unemployed and on Universal Credit for over 18 months the opportunity to gain work experience. The initiative targets individuals at risk of long-term dependency on benefits, offering them structured, paid work placements to acquire skills and transition into sustainable employment.
The placements will be sourced from both the public and private sectors, providing participants with exposure to various industries and job roles. The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) will oversee the program, collaborating with employers to ensure that each young person receives adequate support and career guidance throughout their placement.
Library Funding for Primary Schools
A significant part of the government’s commitment to educational equity is the library funding initiative, which aims to provide all primary schools in England with access to a library by the end of the current Parliament. Many schools, particularly in disadvantaged areas, currently lack the resources to create a dedicated library space for students. This funding initiative will bridge that gap by ensuring every child has access to essential reading materials.
The £132.5 million from the Dormant Assets Fund will be used to support schools in establishing library spaces, as well as enhancing existing libraries with updated resources and digital tools. Priority will be given to schools in regions with the most limited access to libraries, particularly in the most deprived areas, to help improve literacy rates nationwide.
Implementation and Monitoring
The Youth Guarantee and library funding will be implemented in phases, beginning with the Youth Guarantee after the Autumn Budget 2025. The DWP will oversee the rollout of the program, ensuring that young people are placed into jobs that align with their skills and aspirations. Employers will also be encouraged to provide guidance and mentoring to help participants transition into long-term careers.
The library funding initiative will be rolled out in stages, with the first schools receiving support in early 2025. The Department for Education will manage the program, working in collaboration with local authorities and library services to ensure that every primary school can offer an enriching library experience. Monitoring will be essential, with regular progress reports to track the impact of both initiatives.
Long-Term Benefits
Both initiatives are expected to have significant long-term effects on youth employment and literacy. The Youth Guarantee aims to reduce the number of young people dependent on benefits by helping them transition into sustainable work. Over time, this could lower overall youth unemployment and improve the long-term prospects for young people across the UK.
The library funding initiative will ensure that all children, regardless of their background or location, have access to the same resources for literacy development. With improved access to books and reading materials, students will have the tools they need to build strong literacy skills, which will support their future academic and career success.