Wednesday 06 May 2026 - BSIA Comms
The British Security Industry Association (BSIA) welcomes the Department for Work and Pensions’ announcement of the Jobs Guarantee, a flagship government programme offering fully funded six month jobs to eligible young people aged 18–24 as part of the wider Youth Guarantee. Phase 1 has recently launched (spring 2026), with national rollout across Great Britain later this year.
For security employers, the programme presents a low isk, high?impact opportunity to bring new entrants into the industry, support youth employment, and build a future talent pipeline—while maintaining the high standards expected of professional security providers.
Under the scheme, government will cover 100% of employment costs for 25 hours per week at minimum wage, alongside wraparound support delivered by specialist partners to help participants succeed in work and progress into sustained employment.
As the BSIA’s Chief Commercial Officer (Paddy Kyle) explains:
“This is a compelling opportunity for security employers. With employment costs fully funded and wraparound support provided, the Jobs Guarantee enables companies to bring new talent into the industry with reduced risk, while maintaining high standards of supervision, vetting, and training. For many young people, this could be the first step into a long?term, professional security career.”
The BSIA encourages members—particularly those operating in the Phase 1 areas—to explore the programme and engage early with delivery partners.
Employers should contact the lead delivery partner for their area directly:
· Birmingham & Solihull – Catch 22
https://catch-22.org.uk
· East Midlands – Ingeus
https://www.ingeus.co.uk
· Greater Manchester – The Growth Company
https://www.growthco.uk
· Hertfordshire & Essex – Reed in Partnership
https://www.reedinpartnership.co.uk
· Central & East Scotland – The King’s Trust
https://www.kingstrust.org.uk
· South?West & South East Wales – Itec Training Solutions Ltd
https://www.itecskills.ac.uk
Partner organisations will work closely with employers to match candidates, manage funding arrangements, and provide ongoing wraparound support throughout the placement period. For further information visit - Jobs Guarantee Grant Guidance - GOV.UK
The UK security sector is a large, diverse, and increasingly strategic part of the national safety and resilience ecosystem, spanning physical guarding, electronic security, cyber security, consultancy, and integrated risk services. The sector plays a critical role in protecting people, property, infrastructure, and digital systems across both public and private domains.
As the security industry continues to face recruitment challenges and increasing demand for professional, vetted personnel, initiatives such as the Jobs Guarantee offer a timely opportunity to rethink entry routes into the sector. By opening structured pathways for young people and investing early in training, supervision, and development, security employers can help secure a more resilient, diverse, and future ready workforce whist reinforcing the industry’s role as a provider of meaningful, trusted employment across the UK.