Will the government's new plans get Britain working again?
The UK government has announced a series of sweeping reforms aimed at tackling economic inactivity and boosting employment rates across the country. The Get Britain Working White Paper explains how the government is going to meet its ambitious long-term ambition of achieving an 80% employment rate.
10.12.2024
It has also launched a review into the role UK employers have in promoting healthy and inclusive workplaces which will run until summer 2025.
Addressing economic inactivity
The UK employment rate has declined over the past five years or so, largely due to a rise in long-term sickness. The White Paper sets out a plan to reverse this trend by addressing six key issues:
- Provide tailored support to help people with health conditions, caring responsibilities, or lower skill levels find and remain in employment.
- Help young people obtain the essential skills they need at the start of their careers.
- Tackle insecure, low-paying work that affects both the economy and individual wellbeing by promoting fair wages, job security, and better working conditions.
- Help women to balance their work and family responsibilities and progress their careers.
- Work closely with businesses to understand the skills shortages they face and help to reduce their reliance on foreign workers.
- Give local authorities the power to provide tailored support to reduce labour market inequalities between different areas and demographic groups.
The White Paper has a particular focus on health and wellbeing, skills and training and providing localised support.
Health and wellbeing
People with long-term health conditions find it difficult to obtain and retain employment. The government plans to enhance NHS services to reduce waiting times and expand mental health support. It has also said that it will deploy additional staff in areas with high inactivity rates and increase access to mental health services.
Skills and training
A new national jobs and careers service will replace the outdated Jobcentre system, focusing on skills development and career progression rather than just managing benefit claims. The government will also introduce a Youth Guarantee, designed to ensure that all 18-21 year olds can obtain education, training, or an apprenticeship.
Localised support
Mayors and local councils will be given the powers they need to tailor work, health, and skills to the specific needs of their communities. This is designed to create good jobs and improve employment outcomes across different regions.
Where's the money coming from?
In addition to money for various projects outlined in the budget, the government has earmarked an additional £240 million of investment.
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