Greens would offer two-year jobs to unemployed under-24s

The Green Party's pledge to place unemployed under-24s into two-year jobs is a bold intervention in a debate that has long haunted British politics: how to meaningfully integrate young people into the labour market. By framing the issue in emotional terms—"bored, desperate and lost"—Mothin Ali is tapping into a genuine crisis of aspiration. The policy echoes historical precedents like the New Deal for Young People and similar job guarantee schemes, which have had mixed results. The key question is whether a two-year placement builds a bridge to sustainable employment or simply delays the moment of reckoning. Supporters will argue that the scheme offers structure, dignity, and a foothold in the world of work, particularly for those in regions where opportunity is scarce. A guaranteed job can be a lifeline, providing income, routine, and the confidence that comes with being needed. Critics, however, will counter that time-limited state employment risks creating make-work positions that crowd out private sector hiring, and that the real solution lies in economic growth, not government-created roles. There is also the unresolved question of cost—how such a programme would be funded, and whether it would be scaled back once the two years expire. The proposal also carries a strategic dimension. The Green Party is seeking to broaden its appeal beyond environmentalism, positioning itself as a champion of social and economic justice. Youth unemployment is a fertile issue, particularly as the cost-of-living crisis and housing shortages continue to hit younger generations hardest. By targeting under-24s, the Greens are speaking directly to a demographic that is both disillusioned with the old parties and increasingly open to alternative voices. Whether the policy is fully costed or realistically deliverable may matter less in the short term than the message it sends: that the Greens take the struggles of young people seriously. As with any major policy announcement, the devil will be in the details. What kinds of jobs will be offered? Will they be matched to skills and ambitions, or will they be generic placements? What happens to participants after the two years end? These are the questions that will determine whether this is a transformative proposal or a well-intentioned but ultimately hollow promise. For now, the Greens have succeeded in putting youth unemployment back on the political agenda—and that alone is a significant achievement. The debate now shifts to whether the vision can be made to work in practice. Source: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/c693z5w5eypdo