The government has published a new white paper that will see the biggest reforms to employment support ‘for a generation.’
With almost one and a half million people currently unemployed and a record 2.8 million people off work due to long-term sickness, the new Get Britain Working White Paper will be the first step towards achieving the government’s goal of an 80% employment rate.
The white paper will be supported by £240 million worth of investment in order to tackle the root causes of unemployment and inactivity, whilst also improving how health skills and employment are joined up across particular local communities. Part of this will see ill health tackled as the biggest driver of inactivity, by fixing the NHS.
A new national jobs and careers service will also be created through transformation of the current Jobcentre system, with this focusing on people’s skills and careers rather than simply monitoring and manging benefit claims. This will also involve mayors and local councils being empowered to join up local work, health and skills to meet the needs of their specific areas.
Alongside this, a new youth Guarantee will be delivered to ensure that every young person has access to education or training that will help them to find a job. This will be done through transformation of the Apprenticeship Levy, by making it into a more flexible Growth and Skills Levy, supported by £40 million to improve opportunities.
Liz Kendall, Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, said:
“To get Britain growing, we need to get Britain working again. Our reforms will break down barriers to opportunity, help people to get into work and on at work, allow local leaders to boost jobs and growth, and give our children and young people the best opportunities to get on in life.
“The Get Britain Working White Paper shows that this Government stands unashamedly for work. We will make sure everyone, regardless of their background, age, ethnicity, health, disability or postcode can benefit from the dignity and purpose work can bring.
“We can build a healthier, wealthier nation – driving up employment and opportunity, skills and productivity – while driving down the benefit bill.”
In response to the new bill, Chair of the Local Government Association’s City Region’s Board, Cllr Liam Robinson said:
“Local government leaders know their areas best, so it is right that they co-ordinate their efforts to help young people and adults that have left the jobs market back into work.
“The adoption by the Government of a place-based approach is positive and something that the LGA has long called for through our Work Local proposals. This signals a commitment from government to work with all of local government, from mayors to councils, in delivering new approaches that work best for their areas.”
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