Work and Pensions Secretary Liz Kendall emphasised the Government’s commitment to the Back to Work Plan during her visit to Leeds on Thursday, 11 July.
The initiative is central to the Government’s mission of stimulating economic growth across the UK.
The visit follows a recent speech by Chancellor Rachel Reeves, who outlined the Government’s strategy to secure sustained economic growth as the key to enhancing national prosperity and improving living standards.
Addressing Economic Inactivity
Ms Kendall highlighted the urgency of addressing rising economic inactivity, which has reached concerning levels. Currently, 9.4 million people are economically inactive, with a record 2.8 million out of work due to long-term sickness. Additionally, 900,000 young people, or 1 in 8, are not in education, employment, or training.
The Government’s Back to Work Plan comprises three key pillars:
- National Jobs and Career Service: A new service aimed at helping more people enter the workforce and advance in their careers.
- Work, Health, and Skills Plans: Localised plans to support the economically inactive, led by mayors and local authorities.
- Youth Guarantee: Ensuring opportunities for training, apprenticeships, or employment for all young people aged 18 to 21.
Key Statements and Objectives
Liz Kendall underscored the importance of economic growth, stating, “Growth is our number one mission, and our Back to Work Plan is central to achieving this. Economic inactivity is holding Britain back – it’s bad for people, businesses, and growth.”
She stressed the need for substantial change, pointing out that the UK is the only G7 country where employment has not returned to pre-pandemic levels. Kendall committed to creating more quality jobs, enhancing work incentives, transforming skills training, and overhauling jobcentres.
The Health Secretary also outlined how reducing NHS waiting lists can contribute to getting Britain back to health and work, emphasising the link between public health and economic productivity.
Support for Young People and Disabled Workers
The Back to Work Plan includes merging Jobcentre Plus and the National Careers Service to streamline support for job seekers and those seeking better opportunities. The Youth Guarantee will provide training, apprenticeships, and employment support for 18 to 21-year-olds, aiming to prevent youth exclusion from the workforce.
The plan also focuses on supporting disabled individuals and those with health conditions by devolving more power to local areas. This approach allows for tailored, joined-up work, health, and skills services to meet local needs effectively.
Ministerial Visit to Leeds
During their visit to Leeds, the new ministerial team visited a jobcentre to observe support efforts for individuals with health conditions and those aged 18-24 and over 50. They were joined by West Yorkshire Mayor Tracy Brabin for a visit to Smart Works, a charity that helps clients prepare for interviews by providing free clothing and building confidence.
The Government’s Back to Work Plan aims to drive economic growth and deliver opportunities and prosperity across the UK, with a focus on localised, tailored solutions to meet the specific needs of different regions.
