Biffa to recruit 2,000 staff with Youth Guarantee roles for young people out of work

Biffa, one of the largest waste companies in the UK, has announced plans to recruit 2,000 people across its growing operation. The announcement was made on Thursday 12 November 2026, and the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) published its statement on 13 November 2026.

According to the DWP, the roles are aimed mainly at young people who are not currently in work. Biffa has signed up to the government's Youth Guarantee, which aims to help such people into sustained employment. The company joins others that have already backed the scheme, including Amazon, McDonald's and Severn Trent.

Which roles

The new positions include Driver's Mate roles, work in recycling operations, and jobs in green energy, sustainability and specialist teams. Further opportunities will be available across the group's wider businesses, including Company Shop Group.

Every young person Biffa takes on will be given a dedicated mentor working the same shift. The company's aim is for each young person to move into a permanent role. If there is no vacancy at the end of a placement, the "Biffa Next Gen" scheme will, with the person's permission, pass their details to the company's supply chain and partner organisations to help them find work.

Government context

The government has committed £2.5 billion over three years to Youth Guarantee schemes. This includes £3,000 payments for businesses that hire a young person who has been out of work for at least six months. A new Large Employer Pathway is planned for employers with 250 or more staff, to make it easier to offer jobs.

According to the announcement, eligible young people aged 18 to 24 who have been claiming Universal Credit and looking for work for 18 months will be guaranteed a six-month job. The government will fund 100% of employment costs for up to 25 hours a week.

Biffa employs around 13,000 people at about 300 locations across the UK. Work and Pensions Secretary Pat McFadden is due to visit the company's site in North London.

What this means for you

The announcement does not say whether the roles are open to people from other countries who have the right to work in the UK. The described conditions for the Youth Guarantee apply to people claiming Universal Credit, so anyone interested should check eligibility with Jobcentre Plus. The announcement does not mention any change to work or benefit rules for people from abroad.