Young unemployed told to engage with jobs scheme or risk benefit cuts

About 350,000 work and training places in care, construction and hospitality available but sanctions' may apply if neets' refuse offers

Young unemployed people will be offered training or job opportunities in construction, care and hospitality as part of a UK government scheme, but could have their benefits cut if they do not take up offers.

Pat McFadden, the work and pensions secretary, announced on Sunday that 350,000 new training or workplace opportunities would be offered to young people on universal credit, but added there would be sanctions" for claimants who did not engage.