However, with only 12% confident about finding work, respondents say paid experience and long-term job progression are essential
London, UK, Dec. 2025 – As the UK government outlines plans for a new Youth Guarantee scheme aimed at tackling long-term youth unemployment, new survey data conducted by Indeed Flex, the online marketplace for flexible and temporary work, reveals widespread support for the initiative among 18–21 year-olds and UK businesses alike. The findings also highlight clear expectations around quality, fairness and long-term outcomes.
Young People Want Work But Confidence is Lacking
Findings from the survey reveal that confidence among young people entering the labour market remains low. Only 12% of respondents aged 18–21 feel very confident about finding a good job or work experience opportunity right now. The biggest barriers are structural rather than motivational, with nearly half (47%) citing a lack of experience and 40% pointing to a shortage of available jobs.
With these challenges at the forefront, sentiment towards the Youth Guarantee Scheme is overwhelmingly positive. A combined 95% of respondents believe the scheme could be useful for people their age who are struggling to find work. Interest in participation is also high, with only 7% saying they would not personally be interested in taking part in a placement, training course or guaranteed interview either now or in the future.
When asked what would motivate them most to engage with the scheme, paid experience ranked highest (41%), underscoring the importance of financial security and fair wages whilst gaining experience. Retail (35%) and health and social care (31%) emerged as the most attractive sectors to 18 – 21 year olds.
Progression Over Placements
Crucially, young people want the scheme to lead to meaningful employment. An overwhelming 95% said it is either “important” (46%) or “very important” (49%) that the scheme offers real progression into long-term work rather than short-term placements alone.
Opinions are more divided on the proposal to withdraw benefits from young people who refuse a government-funded role after 18 months of unemployment. While 43% support the measure, 25% oppose it, with some respondents warning against forcing young people into unsuitable roles. Others highlighted wider barriers to employment, including challenges faced by disabled and neurodivergent individuals, and the need for transport funding to ensure placements are accessible.
Employers Are on Board, But With Conditions
Businesses responding to the survey also demonstrated strong backing for the Youth Guarantee scheme. A combined 90% said they would be either “absolutely” (38%) or “likely” (52%) to offer training or work-experience placements under the scheme.
However, employers were clear about the conditions required for success, both for them and young people. Capacity and time constraints were cited as the biggest challenge by 43% of respondents, followed by cost (34%). As with young people, employers emphasised that placements must lead to sustainable employment, with 66% saying it is “very important” and 32% “somewhat important” that opportunities result in long-term jobs rather than short-term experience.
Respondents also stressed the need for candidates to be properly matched to roles based on their interests and abilities, supported by adequate training, mentorship and clear progression pathways. Fair pay and minimal bureaucracy were highlighted as essential to ensuring the scheme benefits both young people and employers.
Looking Ahead
Overall, the findings suggest the Youth Guarantee scheme has the potential to make a meaningful impact on youth employment, with both businesses and young people aligning on priorities and provided it is implemented with care. Young people are eager for paid, purposeful opportunities that lead to real careers, while employers are willing to play their part if the scheme is well-funded and practical to deliver.
With the right balance of support, accountability and long-term focus, the Youth Guarantee Scheme could become a powerful tool for empowering young people and strengthening the UK workforce.
About the Survey
Methodological note: The survey was conducted by Indeed Flex in December 2025. Results based on the responses of 600 UK-based employers across: Construction, Food / Beverage, Healthcare, Hospitality / Tourism, Non Profit / Social services, and 600 UK-based 18 – 21 year olds, who are either in education or unemployed.
About Indeed Flex
Indeed Flex is transforming temporary staffing by empowering job seekers with control and choice over where, when, and how they work. The platform provides businesses with a reliable, high-quality workforce and an integrated Vendor Management System (VMS) that improves staffing visibility, reduces costs, increases efficiency, and boosts productivity.
Visit indeedflex.co.uk/ for more information.
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