Things are looking up for employers that have traditionally struggled to attract and retain British workers into the meat industry. The Government has launched a new Youth Guarantee initiative designed to help young people aged 16–24 move into employment, training or education, while also helping businesses tackle skills shortages.
The programme brings together recruitment support, funded training, work experience and financial incentives to encourage employers to take on young people entering the workforce.
One element that may be particularly relevant for meat processors is the Jobs Guarantee, aimed at young people who have struggled to find work.
Under the scheme, employers can offer six-month paid placements (minimum 25 hours per week) to eligible 18–21 year olds who have been claiming Universal Credit and searching for work for 18 months.
To reduce the risk for employers, the Government will subsidise wages for 25 hours per week at the relevant minimum wage, including employer National Insurance and minimum pension contributions. Employers can top this up with additional hours or higher pay if they wish.
Businesses can also receive up to £250 per participant to help cover onboarding costs such as PPE or uniforms, alongside wrap-around support from delivery organisations to help both the employer and the young person during the placement.
The first phase will run in six pilot areas, supporting more than 1,000 young people into work, ahead of a national rollout later in 2026 that aims to help 55,000 young people over the next three years.
Employers interested in taking part can register through Jobcentre Plus, which will connect businesses with recruitment support, suitable candidates and other Youth Guarantee opportunities.
The Jobs Guarantee sits within the wider £1.5 billion Youth Guarantee programme, which will also expand work experience placements, sector-based work academy programmes and apprenticeships for young people.
For an industry that continues to struggle to attract domestic workers, this initiative could offer another route to bring new entrants into the workforce.
You can read more and download additional resources in the Members Portal.
We are the UKs largest trade body for the meat industry and provide expert advice on trade issues, bespoke technical advice and access to government policy makers
We are proud to count businesses of all sizes and specialties as members. They range from small, family run abattoirs serving local customers to the largest meat processing companies responsible for supplying some of our best-loved brands to shops and supermarkets.
We are further strengthened by our associate Members who work in industries that support and supply our meat processing companies.
We are the voice of the British meat industry.
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Clerkenwell, EC1 0DP
Tel: 020 7329 0776