The Response of the United Kingdom (England and Scotland) to Youth Guarantee

This chapter explores the United Kingdom’s (UK) response to the Youth Guarantee (YG) in the two largest of its four constituent countries – England and Scotland. The chapter examines the forms, systems and funding which underpin the YG and the conditions currently affecting young people socially, economically and geographically in England and Scotland in the context of widespread cuts in social expenditure. It focuses specifically on the UK’s decision not to adopt the YG, the impact of this decision and the alternatives – Youth Contract (until 2016), succeeded by Youth Obligation, which forms part of broader welfare system changes under Universal Credit. The chapter also examines how EU policies and funding influence public and regulatory agencies within the UK when intervening in adult education and employment markets.