Twenty-four supported-housing residents aged 16-25 moved into work through the nine-month Future Forward pilot, surpassing a 12-month goal of 16 and running from July 2025 to March 2026.
Housing Benefit rules and supported-housing costs were the main barrier: project funding temporarily covered the support-related share of rent, making jobs financially viable without cutting off wraparound help.
The research also flagged digital exclusion, mental health pressures and housing insecurity, finding young people engaged more when employment support was embedded on site and delivered by trusted staff.
Statistical analysis showed reliable improvement at the 95% confidence level, and partners said the scheme included rent reductions for those who found work and a £1,000 move-out grant.
The findings argue that youth employment policy must address welfare and supported-housing rules, because work alone may not deliver stability if taking a job leaves residents worse off.