UK careers — structural changes 2025-2026
6 big changes to UK careers/skills support in 2025-2026: NCS as a brand disappears (contracts end on 30 September 2026, around 1,000 advisers move into JCP). REP closed in June 2025 — refugee employment support is only available through the charity sector. Skills England has launched (replacing IfATE). Restart winds down by June 2026 → Universal Support. Free Courses for Jobs cap raised to £25,750. Apprentice minimum wage £8/hour from April 2026.
6 big changes by timeline
What replaces NCS — map of the new system
Refugee employment charities — main resources
After REP closed (June 2025) this is the only refugee-specific layer. Contact them directly.
- May-June 2026: Restart final referrals
- Summer 2026: Universal Support rollout by local authorities (check your council)
- 30 September 2026: NCS contracts end — possible disruption to services
- October 2026: Phase 1 NCS-into-JCP transition completes
- 2026-27: Phase 2 rollout — careers advice via JCP
- Autumn 2026: Timms Review (PIP) — may affect the disability employment landscape
- 2028: WCA scrapped — PIP daily living becomes the gateway to the UC health element (see /en/lcwra/)
Frequently asked questions
Is NCS being closed?
NCS as a standalone service — yes. Outsourced contracts with Reed in Partnership, Ingeus, Standguide and others end on 30 September 2026. Around 1,000 advisers move in-house to DWP/JCP. Phase 2 rollout in 2026-27. From October 2026 careers advice becomes part of Jobcentre Plus, not a separate brand. The phone line 0800 100 900 will keep working but services will be reformatted.
REP has been closed — what is the alternative?
The Refugee Employability Programme closed in June 2025 and was NOT replaced by a government equivalent. This means refugee-specific employment support is now only available through the charity sector: Breaking Barriers, Refugee Council, RefuAid, REUK, TERN, CARA. Contact them directly — the government layer for refugees is gone.
Is Skills England new?
Yes. Skills England launched on 2 June 2025 as a DfE executive agency. IfATE (Institute for Apprenticeships and Technical Education) was abolished on 1 June 2025. Skills England is responsible for skills strategy, apprenticeship standards, and technical qualifications. It affects which apprenticeships are available, which Skills Bootcamps are funded, and the formation of Local Skills Improvement Plans (LSIPs).
What is happening to the Restart Programme?
Restart Scheme is winding down — final referrals in June 2026. It is being replaced by Universal Support delivered through local authorities (rolled out region by region, not the same everywhere). If you are already on Restart you carry on. If you are 12+ months unemployed now, your Work Coach will direct you to one of the programmes (depends on your area).
What about Skills Bootcamps and Free Courses for Jobs?
Both continue and are being expanded. Skills Bootcamps — 12-16 weeks intensive with a guaranteed interview. Free Courses for Jobs — Level 3 courses fully funded, the income cap raised to £25,750. Sectors: digital (coding, data, cyber), construction, engineering, green jobs, HGV driving, accountancy. Find them at gov.uk/guidance/free-courses-for-jobs.
I am a refugee doctor / teacher / lawyer — where do I find support now?
NCS will become part of JCP — but they do not specialise in regulated professions. The best routes are: Refugee Doctors Programme (BMA + REACHE Manchester + Building Bridges London + others) for doctors; REUK for teachers; RefuAid Equal Access Loan (£10k interest-free) for exam fees; Sanctuary Scholarships (Glasgow £5k/yr, Imperial £16,500/yr) for study; CARA for academics. The government layer has gone — the charity layer has become the main one.