London(Punjaboutlook Bureau)Preet Kaur Gill MP has welcomed two major announcements from the government set to positively impact communities across England — a 4% pay rise for teachers and the launch of a new £45 million youth guarantee programme.
From September, teachers in England will receive a 4% pay award, recognising their essential role in delivering high standards and inspiring the next generation. The pay boost is part of the government’s Plan for Change to ensure every child receives a high-quality education. This wider strategy includes reforms to Ofsted inspections, the introduction of regional improvement teams for underperforming schools, and a modern, broad curriculum to equip pupils for life and work in the future.
“This pay rise is a much-needed step to value our teachers who are at the heart of building brighter futures for our children,” said Ms Gill. “Investing in our education workforce is vital if we want to see long-term improvements in outcomes for every young person.”
Schools will be expected to fund the first 1% of the increase through greater efficiency and smarter spending, while the government will provide £615 million in additional investment to support the remainder of the uplift.
In addition, thousands of young people are set to benefit from the new youth guarantee, a £45 million initiative launching in Liverpool. The programme aims to connect 18 to 21-year-olds with targeted job and training opportunities, helping them overcome barriers to employment and giving them the support they need to thrive.
“This youth guarantee is about making sure no young person is left behind,” Ms Gill added. “By providing the right support at the right time, we can help young people build successful careers and strong futures.”
The Liverpool launch will lay the groundwork for a national rollout, ensuring that every 18 to 21-year-old in England can access the help they need to find work and seize new opportunities.