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Universal Credit

Asked by Mr Andrew SnowdenConservativeDepartment for Work and PensionsTabled Answered 19 June 2026UIN 8309

The question

To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, whether participation in the Jobs Guarantee will be mandatory for eligible Universal Credit claimants.

Answered by Andrew Western

The Youth Guarantee is part of a new social contract with young people - opportunity matched by responsibility. Young people who can work will be expected to engage with the support offered.

Participation in the Jobs Guarantee scheme is mandatory, and participants will be required to engage once referred by DWP. Participation is subject to the full Universal Credit conditionality regime, and failure to meet agreed requirements may result in a sanction. Young people aged 18–24 who have been claiming Universal Credit and looking for work for 18 months will be eligible.

Delivery Partners will work closely with the Department to support participants and will notify DWP where participants fail to attend or disengage.

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