There has been a 33% increase in the last five years in the amount of 18-24 year olds claiming benefits.

To help tackle this the Kickstart scheme has been put into place, it provides over 100,000 young people with job assistance.

The Kickstart Scheme provides funding to employers to create jobs for 16 to 24 year olds on Universal Credit, this was started on 13th September 2021.

The scheme supports young people in all corners of the country to get their first foot on the career ladder, with many turning placements into permanent roles.

Minister of Employment Mims Davies MP said: “There are more people on payrolls this quarter in all corners of the country, and unemployment is continuing to fall, it is clear our Plan for Jobs is working.”

In Cooper House job centre, Barnsley, there is currently a long list of job vacancies waiting to be filled, but most require certain qualifications.

The main area of focus is on health care and nursing, which currently has 176 job vacancies in Barnsley.

David Tutley, Minister for Welfare Delivery says: “We are currently giving out about £1000 a year to each claimant.

“This helps those out of work to be supported on their employment journey.”