A £2 billion Government job scheme launched five months ago has seen fewer than 2,000 young people start in their new roles.
The Kickstart programme was launched in September to support firms to offer six-month work placements for 16 to 24-year-olds who are in receipt of Universal Credit and at risk of long-term unemployment.
While more than 120,000 jobs have been created, just 1,868 people have started their placements in the UK as of January 15, the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) confirmed.
Chancellor Rishi Sunak (Daniel Leal-Olivas/PA)
Work and Pensions Secretary Therese Coffey said the impact of coronavirus was partly to blame for the delay in those beginning their new roles.