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The government has unveiled some significant reforms to employment support, underpinned by a £240 million investment. The measures aim to address deep-rooted issues of unemployment, economic inactivity, and barriers to work, as detailed in the newly published Get Britain Working White Paper.


Figures quoted in the government’s announcement made for sobering reading. 1.5 million are unemployed, 9 million are economically inactive, and a record 2.8 million are out of work due to long-term illness. Young people, in particular, are disproportionately affected, with one in eight not in education, employment, or training.


The UK is apparently the only major economy that has seen its employment rate fall over the last five years. The government has attributed the reason for the decline to an increase in long-term ill health, and an employment support system that is outdated.


Therefore, the White Paper is highlighting the need for a fundamentally different approach to employment, health, and skills support to revitalise Britain’s workforce.


What are the key reforms being proposed?


1.   Revamping jobcentres: These will be transformed into a new “national jobs and careers service”. This overhaul will focus on developing people’s skills and careers rather than simply monitoring benefits.


2.   Tackling economic inactivity from ill health: Health-related issues, which are considered to be a major driver of inactivity, will be addressed through employing extra NHS staff in 20 areas that have high inactivity so as to cut waiting list times. Mental health support will also be expanded.


3.   A new “Youth Guarantee”: Every 18-to-21-year-old will have access to an apprenticeship, quality training and education opportunities. The current Apprenticeship Levy will be replaced by a more flexible Growth and Skills Levy. Eight youth “trailblazer” areas are to be set up, including in Liverpool, Tees Valley and the East Midlands to help young people in those areas find education, training or work.


4.   Supporting people with disabilities and health conditions: An independent review will be launched into the role of UK employers in promoting health and inclusive workplaces. It will look at what more can be done to enable employers to increase the recruitment and retention of disabled people and those with a health condition. It will also explore early intervention for sickness absence and what may help increase returns to work.


5.   Empowering local communities: Local leaders, including mayors and councils, in areas of England that are not getting a trailblazer will receive up to £15 million to develop their own plans.


How will the reforms affect you?


Based on the changes being proposed, we may begin to see new measures introduced into employer’s obligations towards long-term sickness.
Over the longer term, if these initiatives result in more younger people receiving more training, then this may increase the number of skilled people available for hire. This could alleviate the difficulty some businesses are finding in locating suitably qualified staff.


To review the White Paper, see:
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/get-britain-working-white-paper