THE UK GOVERNMENT has announced sweeping changes to tackle unemployment and economic inactivity with the launch of the Get Britain Working White Paper today (Nov 26).
Backed by £240 million, the reforms aim to achieve an 80% employment rate by addressing the root causes of joblessness, transforming Jobcentres, and improving mental health support.
The overhaul comes as stark figures reveal that 1.5 million people are unemployed, over nine million are inactive, and a record 2.8 million are out of work due to long-term sickness.
Tackling health and inactivity
With long-term ill health identified as a key driver of economic inactivity, the reforms will expand NHS mental health services and boost preventative healthcare.
An additional 8,500 mental health professionals will be deployed, while access to therapies and other support will reach 140,000 more people by 2029. Inactivity hotspots will see extra NHS resources to cut waiting lists and help people return to work.
Transforming Jobcentres
The outdated Jobcentre system will be replaced with a National Jobs and Careers Service, focused on helping people develop skills and build careers rather than managing benefit claims.
A £55 million investment will modernize Jobcentres, introducing advanced digital tools and personalized coaching services.
Liz Kendall, Work and Pensions Secretary, said: “To get Britain growing, we need to get Britain working again. Our reforms will break down barriers to opportunity, boost jobs and growth, and ensure everyone benefits from the dignity work brings.”
Youth Guarantee
The reforms include a Youth Guarantee, ensuring every 18-21-year-old has access to quality training, apprenticeships, or education.
The initiative is backed by £45 million and partnerships with organizations such as the Premier League and Channel 4. It will also revamp the Apprenticeship Levy into a flexible Growth and Skills Levy, creating new opportunities for young people in key sectors.
Local empowerment
Trailblazer areas, including South Yorkshire, the North East, and Wales, will pioneer the reforms, using tailored plans to address regional challenges. Local authorities and mayors will also receive funding to develop bespoke employment support programmes.
Disability inclusion
The government has committed to helping disabled people and those with long-term health conditions enter and stay in work. An independent review will look at how employers can better support these workers and reduce barriers to employment.
Government’s ambition
Prime Minister Keir Starmer said: “From the broken NHS to flatlining employment, this government inherited a country that wasn’t working. Today, we’ve set out a plan to fix it.
“We’re overhauling Jobcentres, fixing the NHS, and giving young people the skills and opportunities they need to succeed. Our reforms are about meaningful change, helping people into decent, well-paid jobs, and unlocking growth for all.”
The reforms, Kendall said, “put work at the heart of Britain’s renewal,” aiming to create a healthier, wealthier nation where everyone can benefit from the opportunities work provides.
The Herald understands these reforms could pave the way for a stronger workforce and economy, addressing years of stagnation and rising inactivity.
