On November 26th, Work and Pensions Secretary Liz Kendall unveiled the “Get Britain Working” White Paper, a transformative plan aimed at improving employment support across the UK. Backed by a £240 million investment, the initiative seeks to achieve an ambitious employment rate of 80%, improve health outcomes, and modernize job centres nationwide.
This reform represents the most significant overhaul of employment support in a generation, aiming to create a fairer and more efficient system to help people find meaningful work. Below are the key highlights of this monumental reform:
Key Elements of the White Paper
- Transforming Jobcentres: The outdated Jobcentre system will be replaced with a modern National Jobs and Careers Service, focused on skill development and career growth rather than merely monitoring benefits. The new approach will incorporate advanced digital tools, making jobcentres more accessible and user-friendly, and ensuring people receive tailored career guidance based on their skills and aspirations.
- Youth Guarantee: Every young person aged 18 to 21 will have access to apprenticeships, education, and training opportunities to help them secure meaningful work. The Youth Guarantee aims to prevent young people from falling into long-term unemployment by providing clear pathways to employment, skill-building programs, and mentorship opportunities. The government has partnered with major cultural and sporting institutions to create more learning opportunities that inspire and equip the youth for future careers.
- Mental Health and NHS Improvements: Expanded mental health support and additional resources will be deployed to reduce waiting times for health services, addressing the primary drivers of economic inactivity. A significant increase in the number of mental health professionals will ensure that individuals struggling with mental health issues receive the necessary support to re-enter the workforce. The emphasis is on prevention, early intervention, and integrated healthcare solutions that recognize the role of employment in maintaining overall well-being.
- Local Leadership Empowerment: Councils and mayors will have greater authority to align health, skills, and employment support to meet the unique needs of local communities. This approach ensures that decisions are made closer to the people they affect, taking into account regional employment trends and the specific challenges faced by different areas. By empowering local leaders, the government aims to create bespoke employment strategies that can address unemployment and skills gaps more effectively.
Employment Challenges in the UK
The UK is the only major economy experiencing a drop in its employment rate over the past five years. Currently, over 1.4 million people are unemployed, with 9 million inactive and a record 2.8 million out of work due to long-term health issues. Youth are also disproportionately affected, with 1 in 8 young people neither in education, employment, or training.
This decline has been driven by several factors, including rising long-term health conditions, lack of appropriate job opportunities, and an outdated employment support infrastructure.
To combat these challenges, the White Paper outlines targeted solutions to address the root causes of unemployment and inactivity, ensuring joined-up support between health, skills, and employment services.
The government’s strategy is to not only create new jobs but also to help people build the skills they need to fill these positions, thereby creating a stronger and more adaptable workforce.
Key Investments and Allocations
| Initiative | Investment Amount | Description |
|---|---|---|
| NHS Resource Spending | £22.6 billion | To reduce waiting lists and support treatment |
| Youth Training and Opportunities | £40 million | To establish a flexible Growth and Skills Levy |
| Mental Health Staff Expansion | £125 million | To deploy 8,500 new staff by 2028 |
| Local Employment Support | £15 million | To empower local areas in developing work plans |
The investments are designed to strengthen the NHS, boost employment rates, and provide tailored support for youth and those facing health-related employment barriers.
By focusing on specific target areas, such as mental health and skills training, the government aims to create an integrated support system that helps people overcome obstacles to employment.
The funding will also be used to improve digital services, making it easier for individuals to access support online, thus reducing administrative burdens and making services more efficient.
Main Reforms: A Summary
- Fixing the NHS: Expanded capacity in the NHS to reduce economic inactivity caused by long-term illness. Resources are directed toward reducing waiting lists and increasing access to mental health services. The government recognizes that untreated health conditions are a significant barrier to employment and is committed to making healthcare more responsive and efficient. By investing in additional healthcare staff and expanding services, the NHS will be better equipped to support people in their journey back to work.
- Transforming Jobcentres: Jobcentres will be modernized to provide a personalized career support system that moves away from the current “tick box” culture. This transformation includes utilizing digital technologies, such as artificial intelligence, to offer more dynamic and relevant support to jobseekers. The goal is to make jobcentres places of opportunity, where individuals can receive comprehensive career advice and access to various training programs that align with current market needs.
- Youth Guarantee: Establishment of a new Youth Guarantee to ensure that every young person has access to quality education, training, and work opportunities. This initiative is designed to tackle youth unemployment by providing practical, hands-on learning experiences and ensuring that young people have the support they need to transition smoothly into the workforce. The emphasis is on equipping young people with skills that are in high demand, including digital skills and technical training, to prepare them for the jobs of the future.
- Empowering Local Communities: Providing funding and authority to local mayors and councils to tailor employment, health, and skills programs that fit their local requirements. Local leaders are best positioned to understand the needs of their communities, and this approach allows them to create employment initiatives that are relevant and effective. By encouraging collaboration between local authorities, healthcare providers, and employers, the government aims to foster a supportive environment that helps people gain employment and progress in their careers.
- Inclusive Employment: Launch of an independent review to examine how to better support the employment of disabled individuals and those with health conditions, ensuring inclusivity in the workforce. The government is committed to creating a fairer job market where everyone, regardless of their physical or mental health challenges, has the opportunity to work. The review will explore innovative ways to support disabled workers, including workplace accommodations, flexible work arrangements, and employer incentives.
Perspectives from Key Stakeholders
- Prime Minister Keir Starmer emphasized the focus on giving young people a future through meaningful change: “We’re giving young people the skills they need for the jobs of the future. This is about real opportunities, not just words.”
- Secretary of State Liz Kendall highlighted the transformative vision: “We stand unashamedly for work. Our reforms break down barriers, create jobs, and improve living standards. We want every person, regardless of background, to have the chance to succeed.”
- Mayor of Greater Manchester Andy Burnham said: “The new approach joins up services in places where people live, offering personalized support that grows confidence. This is a bold step towards empowering our local communities and ensuring no one is left behind.”
