The British government has unveiled 300,000 new work experience and training placements for young people after a major review warned that rising youth unemployment could leave more young people disconnected from work, education and training.
Ministers say the new programme is designed to help young people struggling to enter the labour market, particularly as the number of economically inactive young people continues to rise.
The initiative forms part of the government's wider £2.5 billion youth employment package and will focus on industries facing labour shortages, including construction, hospitality, healthcare and social care.
Under the expanded Youth Guarantee Scheme, young people receiving benefits who have been unable to find work or training after six months will be offered paid placements, work experience opportunities or short-term skills programmes.
The announcement follows a review led by former Labour minister Alan Milburn, which warned that urgent intervention is needed to prevent increasing numbers of young people from becoming excluded from work and education.
According to the report, more than one million people aged 16 to 24 are currently not in employment, education or training - the highest figure recorded since 2013.
The review also warned that the situation could worsen significantly over the next five years without stronger support measures for younger workers.
Researchers highlighted falling numbers of entry-level jobs, reduced work experience opportunities and growing barriers facing young people attempting to enter the workforce for the first time.
The report also criticised what it described as an imbalance in public spending, arguing that significantly more money is spent on welfare support than on helping young people into employment.
Government officials said the latest programme is intended to improve long-term career prospects and connect young people with employers across a range of sectors.
Some of Britain's largest employers are expected to participate in the scheme, which ministers say will provide practical experience and skills development for young jobseekers.
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