The Green Party has announced a new policy proposal to offer a guaranteed two-year job to young people under 24 who are not in employment, education, or training. This offer would be made within four months of them leaving education or training.
Co-deputy leader Mothin Ali presented the policy at the party's conference in Brighton, highlighting that nearly one million young people are currently out of work, training, or education. The proposed scheme would involve the government paying half of the salary for private sector roles, with employers also being exempt from National Insurance contributions. Employers would be required to provide in-job training.
The party plans to initially implement the scheme in areas with fewer job openings for young people, such as Rotherham and Ceredigion, with the aim of a nationwide rollout. The Greens argue the policy would reduce welfare spending and increase tax receipts from employment, though a specific budget has not been detailed.
Separately, co-deputy leader Rachel Millward stated that the Greens would immediately bring Thames Water and South East Water back into public ownership without compensation to shareholders. South East Water responded that it is investing £1.9 billion into infrastructure over the next five years.