The UK Government announced on 28 August 2026 that the first young people in Wales supported by its Jobs Guarantee programme have started their jobs. According to the announcement, 3,500 young people in Wales will be helped into work by the scheme over the next three years. The first participants began roles in Cardiff, Newport, Merthyr Tydfil, Bridgend, Swansea, Caerphilly and Rhondda Cynon Taf.

The scheme, launched in summer 2026, offers a route into work for 18–24-year-olds who have been claiming Universal Credit and looking for work for 18 months. The government fully funds up to 25 hours of paid work for six months, with roles matched to individuals' skills, and participants receive support such as confidence building and skills training. The government said the programme is part of a £2.5 billion youth employment drive and is intended to create over 90,000 fully funded jobs across the UK by 2029.

Work and Pensions Secretary Pat McFadden said the scheme offers real jobs and wages, while Wales Secretary Stephen Kinnock described it as a vote of confidence in young people in Wales. The announcement also cited 20 Youth Hubs being rolled out and a Youth Jobs Grant for businesses hiring young people. It said a pilot ran in South East and South West Wales and that later in 2026 the scheme would expand to all eligible 18–24-year-olds on Universal Credit who have been job-seeking for 18 months.