The DWP has increased its funding for a major project
A major new DWP grant scheme offering payments of up to £3,000 has been announced as well as a range of additional support measures. The department recently provided an update on the initiative, which is set to assist hundreds of thousands of people.
Ministers have outlined plans to help employers create new jobs and training opportunities. DWP minister Andrew Western recently spoke in a written parliamentary response about how the Government has increased funding for its Youth Guarantee and the Growth and Skills Levy, pledging to provide support to one million young people and create 500,000 training and employment opportunities.
Mr Western also said: “The Government is taking action to support employers to recruit and train young people, helping to unlock up to 200,000 more employment opportunities. This includes a new £3,000 Youth Jobs Grant for employers who hire 18 to 24-year-olds who have been on Universal Credit for over six months, a new £2,000 apprenticeship incentive for small and medium sized employers hiring 16 to 24-year-old, and the Jobs Guarantee scheme, providing long-term unemployed 18 to 24-year-olds with a fully funded six month job.”
One employer ramping up its recruitment efforts this year is healthtech firm Cera, an at-home care provider that harnesses AI to develop and enhance its services. The company has committed to creating 5,000 new positions over the next 12 months and to upskilling more than 20,000 new and existing members of staff with essential digital and AI capabilities throughout 2026.
While concerns have been raised that AI could threaten jobs, Cera has developed an AI agent called Ami, which guides job applicants through the application process, fast-tracking candidates into employment. The organisation has a particular emphasis on recruiting over-50s as well as young people aged 18 to 24 who are not in employment, education or training.
Embracing technology
The Minister for Employment, Dame Diana Johnson, praised Cera’s efforts to generate new jobs. She said: “Our mission is to get Britain working – and that means embracing the technologies that can help people into meaningful, fulfilling careers. Initiatives like this show how AI can be used as a key tool for businesses – unlocking productivity and helping employers to create and fill the jobs that will drive our economy forward.”
Dr Ben Maruthappu, founder and CEO of Cera, said: “Today’s 18-24s will make up the backbone, not just of our future economy – but also of our future health and care workforce. Any investment we make now in skills, support and pathways into work – both for young people, and for any groups who are out of work – is an investment in critical social infrastructure for generations to come.”
Making a meaningful impact
One young person who has recently secured employment with Cera is Summer Jones, 22, from Colwyn Bay, who began working for the organisation in January 2026. She applied for numerous positions before landing the job, and she said the employment market in her area is extremely competitive.
She explained: “It can sometimes feel discouraging, especially when responses are delayed or unclear. Overall, I had been actively job searching for a few months before finding this opportunity.”
Ms Jones said she felt confident Cera was the right match for her when she discovered the organisation. She said: “My journey to finding the role at Cera started with actively searching for opportunities where I could make a meaningful impact while also growing professionally.
“I came across the role online and was immediately drawn to the company’s mission and values. After researching more about Cera and the type of work involved, I felt it aligned well with my interests and experience, so I decided to apply.”
You can find out more about Cera on the group’s website.
