Wage Subsidy Scheme expands to create hundreds of job opportunities for young people

The next phase of £1m funding will help more Barnsley businesses access the expanded Wage Subsidy Scheme across South Yorkshire.

Funded by the South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority (SYMCA), the Wage Subsidy Scheme has been extended to more businesses, opening up new opportunities for people aged up to 30.

Previously targeted at smaller employers, the scheme now includes businesses with up to 250 employees, increasing the number of small organisations able to benefit from the scheme to create new roles.

Employers can receive up to £6,000 over 13 weeks to help cover wage costs at National Minimum Wage. This makes recruitment more affordable and lower risk, while giving young people the chance to gain valuable workplace experience. Jobs can range from 16 to 35 hours a week and must be sustained for at least six months.

For young people, the scheme provides more than just a job. Each participant receives personalised, ongoing support from Barnsley Council’s employment specialists, helping them build confidence, develop skills and succeed in the workplace.

The expansion builds on the success of Pathways to Work, an approach to tackling economic inactivity developed in Barnsley. It brings together health, wellbeing, skills and employment support in one place, helping people who face barriers such as health conditions, low confidence or limited work experience to access the right support and move closer to work.

Since launching, Pathways to Work has supported more than 1,400 Barnsley residents, with over 300 already moving into jobs and many others progressing through training and volunteering.

The funding forms part of wider investment across South Yorkshire’s four local authorities, supporting SYMCA’s Growth Plan and the region’s ambition to boost economic growth and opportunity.

Councillor Andy Cudworth, Cabinet Spokesperson for Regeneration and Assets, said:

“Pathways to Work is changing lives in Barnsley, helping people overcome barriers and take steps towards employment. Expanding the Wage Subsidy Scheme is an important milestone, opening the door for more employers to offer local people valuable experience, greater confidence and a route into lasting work.

“For businesses, it offers a practical, lower-risk way to grow their workforce while investing in homegrown talent. For young people, it’s a chance to take their first step into work with the right support in place.

“Our goal is to make Barnsley a place where everyone has the opportunity to thrive, and this scheme is helping us turn that ambition into reality.”

Full details about the Wage Subsidy Scheme are available on the Barnsley Council website.

To access employment support, visit pathways-to-work.co.uk.