BITC and DWP host briefing to help employers unlock the benefits of the Youth Guarantee

Business in the Community (BITC) has hosted an online roundtable, in collaboration with the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) and Youth Employment UK. The roundtable took place on 4 June and focused on the UK Youth Guarantee^[1] and what it means for employers. The event positioned employers as key partners in helping young people access employment opportunities, highlighting the importance of collaboration between business, government, and youth employment experts. 

This session came at an important time, as the Alan Milburn report shows that one in eight young people are now not learning or earning.^[2] In addition, new research from the Work Foundation shows vacancies accessible to first-time entrants to the workforce have fallen by 49% over the last decade.^[3] These figures show that demand is rising while opportunity is shrinking. The Youth Guarantee is a chance to change that, requiring businesses to step up, create more entry-level opportunities, and build clearer pathways into good work for the next generation. 

More than 60 Talent Acquisition and Early Career Leads representing BITC member organisations came together to hear from speakers about the opportunities available through the Youth Guarantee and how employers are the key to closing the skills gap and preparing young people for the world of work. Attendees also had the opportunity to ask questions at the end of the session. 

Speakers included: 

Attendees heard from DWP on how the Youth Guarantee aims to help young people move into education, employment, and training more quickly through better-connected support services. The Youth Guarantee seeks to increase skills and work opportunities, reverse declining apprenticeship uptake among under-24s, boost youth employment, and help reduce recruitment costs for employers. 

Attendees also heard from Youth Employment UK about the barriers preventing young people from entering work, including declining confidence, fewer opportunities, and a growing lack of work experience. The session highlighted the importance of early employer engagement, with young people needing multiple meaningful interactions with employers before entering the workforce to improve outcomes and opportunities. 

Tony Hyland MBE, Department for Work and Pensions, said: 

The Youth Guarantee represents a significant opportunity for employers to play a direct role in helping young people into meaningful employment. By engaging with the Guarantee, businesses can align this work with their recruitment and skills strategies while contributing to a stronger, more inclusive labour market. Evidence shows that the longer a young person remains out of work, the harder it is for them to get back into work. We’re committed to working closely with employers to ensure they have the clarity and confidence needed to make a lasting impact on the lives and career outcomes of the UK’s young people.

Laura-Jane Rawlings MBE DL, Chief Executive of Youth Employment UK, said: 

If we don’t act now, we risk seeing an unprecedented rise in youth unemployment, which could increase to one in six young people not learning or earning in the next few years. For the Youth Guarantee to deliver real change, it’s vital that opportunities for young people are meaningful, accessible, and designed with their needs in mind. Employers have a critical role to play to turn policy into positive outcomes on the ground. By taking a thoughtful, practical approach, businesses can not only support young people into work but also strengthen their own talent pipelines and long-term resilience. Employers are key to ensuring that the skills gap is closed and young people have access to good work opportunities.

Ola Kolade, Employment and Skills Director at Business in the Community, said:  

Every young person should have access to good work opportunities, and employers are central to making the Youth Guarantee a success. By bringing together government, business, and employment experts through BITC’s Opening Doors campaign, we are turning policy into something practical and actionable for our members. There is real opportunity here, but it’s important that businesses feel equipped and ready to support young people effectively, and BITC will continue to work with partners to ensure they have the tools, insight, and opportunities for collaboration needed to do so.

ENDS

Notes to editor

For further information, please contact Polly Dacam, Senior Public Affairs and Media Officer, on 020 7566 6638.

About Business in the Community

Business in the Community (BITC) champions responsible business as essential for long term economic growth and resilience.   
 
It is the UK’s leading responsible business network, working with companies of all sizes to tackle society’s most pressing challenges from climate change and place-based community regeneration to inequality, workplace wellbeing, and inclusive growth.  
  
Founded by His Majesty King Charles III in 1982, BITC has over four decades of experience in engaging business and delivering measurable impact in both business and in communities through evidence-based interventions. 

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