Question to the Department for Work and Pensions:

To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, what steps the Department is taking to ensure that small businesses, charities and social enterprises are able to participate in the Youth Jobs Grant.

The Youth Jobs Grant scheme is open to eligible businesses of all sizes and sectors including small businesses, charities and social enterprises.

The application process has been designed to minimise the administrative burden for employers. Employers can apply here: www.gov.uk/applyyouthjobsgrant. The form takes around 20 minutes to complete, and employers will be asked to accept a short set of terms and conditions as part of the application.

The Department is also actively engaging employers, trade bodies and partner organisations to support delivery of the Youth Jobs Grant through direct discussions, employer networks and webinars that promote the opportunities available through the Youth Guarantee and explain how employers can participate.

These activities are designed to ensure organisations of all sizes, including small businesses, charities and social enterprises, can access practical information on eligibility, the application process and recruitment support available through Jobcentre Plus. Employer webinars for example, provide an opportunity to hear directly from policy and operational leads, ask questions, understand available support and learn how DWP can help recruit and retain young people.