DWP's new back-to-work plan 'will redefine future of West Midlands' says mayor

Labour's new Get Britain Working plan announced this week will "redefine the future of the West Midlands", the mayor of the region has said. The Department for Work and Pensions has unveiled what it called the "biggest reforms to employment support for a generation" backed by a £240 million investment.

Work and Pensions Secretary Liz Kendall has today (26 November) said the aim is to achieve an ambitious 80 per cent employment rate. The shake-up, which will revamp jobcentres and reduce the number who are out of work, comes as figures show almost one and a half million people are unemployed, over nine million people are inactive and a record 2.8 million people are out of work due to long-term sickness. One in eight young people are not in education, employment or training.

In the B postcodes, there are more than 315,000 people claiming Universal Credit, plus another 52,677 in the Dudley postcode area, 60,403 in Wolverhampton, 63,158 in Walsall, and 96,543 in Coventry. In Birmingham itself, over 212,000 people are on Universal Credit with 70 per cent of those not working, plus another 30,000 people who are too ill to work and are in receipt of the incapacity benefit Employment and Support Allowance (ESA) but will be moved on to Universal Credit by the end of next year.

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• DWP benefit claimants fear payment cuts and unsuitable jobs in new work plan
• Five major changes in DWP Get Britain Working plan including jobcentres revamp

The new Get Britain Working white paper includes a proposal for "delivering a Youth Guarantee to support young people into work" by ensuring that everyone aged 18 to 21 in England has access to an apprenticeship, quality training and education opportunities, or help to find a job. Eight youth trailblazer areas will be set up across the country with £45 million in funding to identify those most at risk of falling out of education or employment and find them new opportunities.

In addition, there is a proposal for "empowering local mayors to shape an effective work, health and skills offer for local people." Up to £15 million will be made available to areas across England which are not getting a trailblazer so they can develop their own Get Britain Working Plan focused on reducing economic inactivity. Plans will be developed by mayors or local authorities.

The government will also provide £115 million in funding next year to enable local areas across England and Wales to deliver a new supported employment programme called Connect to Work. It will help people with disabilities, health conditions or complex barriers to find work and will support up to 100,000 people a year at full rollout

Mayor of the West Midlands Richard Parker said as the new government plan was launched: "I welcome the Get Britain Working White Paper, which emphasises the importance of an inclusive and thriving workforce to the future prosperity of our communities. Its focus on breaking down barriers to opportunity and addressing health-related economic inactivity will help redefine the future for the West Midlands.

"I'm very proud that our region will be one of the place-based trailblazers delivering the Youth Guarantee, this is a significant step forward in devolution. It acknowledges that local leaders are best placed to shape effective strategies to connect young people with good jobs, quality training, and fulfilling careers. By working collaboratively we can ensure that everyone, regardless of their background or circumstances, has the opportunity to contribute to and benefit from our region’s growth.

"This is a moment of opportunity for us to redefine how we approach employment, skills, and health - particularly as we look towards a new industrial strategy and regional growth plan. I'm excited to see the outcomes that these ambitious reforms will deliver for our community. Together, we can set a new benchmark and change lives across the West Midlands and beyond."

In the neighbouring region, the Mayor of the East Midlands, Claire Ward, said: "I'm delighted that the East Midlands will be leading the way as one of the Youth Guarantee trailblazer regions. This is a crucial step in breaking down the barriers that too often prevent young people from accessing the skills, training, and opportunities they need to succeed.

"By bringing together education, training, and support into a clear offer, we can ensure no young person is left behind. With this additional funding, we have the chance to make the East Midlands the best place to live, work, and learn — where every young person can realise their full potential and contribute to our region’s growing economy and exciting future."

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