Reform UK has published its Scottish manifesto for the 2026 election, setting out a programme focused on the economy, public services, education, housing and justice. While the manifesto contains little direct reference to youth work, it does include a number of commitments relevant to young people and the issues affecting their futures.
Reform UK has published its Scottish manifesto for the 2026 election, setting out a programme focused on the economy, public services, education, housing and justice. While the manifesto contains little direct reference to youth work, it does include a number of commitments relevant to young people and the issues affecting their futures.
A clear theme in the manifesto is moving young people into employment, training and apprenticeships.
Reform UK proposes a First Job Passport to help every young person move from school into further education, apprenticeship, vocational training or employment. It also proposes a Youth Entrepreneur Scheme combining business education, work experience and mentorship with local businesses.
The manifesto also includes commitments to reform apprenticeship funding and link skills investment more closely to key sectors of the economy.
The manifesto includes a range of proposals on schools and education reform, including changes to the Curriculum for Excellence, restoring exams as the main form of assessment, banning mobile phones in classrooms and giving more control to headteachers.
It also states that special needs provision should be reformed, reflecting concerns around support for children and young people with additional needs.
Young people’s access to housing also features in the manifesto.
Reform UK proposes a Rent-To-Buy model targeted at young people, first-time buyers and working families, alongside wider plans to increase affordable housing supply.
The manifesto places strong emphasis on crime, justice and community cohesion. While youth work is not specifically mentioned, many of the issues raised around prevention, antisocial behaviour and supporting young people into positive pathways are areas where youth work services already make an important contribution.
Reform UK’s manifesto offers a number of proposals aimed at young people, particularly around jobs, skills, education and housing. However, unlike some other parties, it does not set out a clear role for youth work or recognise the contribution the sector makes in prevention, wellbeing and helping young people succeed.
There is an opportunity for the party to engage directly with Scotland’s youth work sector and young people themselves to better understand how youth work can help deliver on shared priorities such as employability, safer communities, mental health, education and early intervention.
As the election campaign continues, all parties should be clear about how they would work with the youth work sector to improve outcomes for young people across Scotland.