£35 million of innovative employment schemes to benefit disadvantaged people

Thousands of disadvantaged people and long-term jobseekers are going to receive specialist support to get back into work through six new pilot schemes worth £35 million.

The schemes will be developed and delivered by six combined authorities in partnership with the government.

The specialist tailored support is expected to help over 18,000 people, including the disabled and elderly, tackle long-term barriers to work and in-work progression.

Up to £28 million has been committed by the Department for Work and Pensions for the schemes. They include: a ‘Health and Care Sector Progression Academy’ to train social care workers in Cambridgeshire and Peterborough; an ‘early intervention’ scheme in Sheffield to prevent people from long-term unemployment; and a new business-led training hub for modern work skills in the Tees Valley.

These new pilots were agreed with six combined authority areas as part of ground-breaking devolution deals and the government’s plan to hand new funding and powers back to local areas across the UK. These schemes are aimed at boosting growth and jobs by working with the new combined authority mayors.

The announcement follows from the Work, health and disability: improving lives paper, which marks the next stage of the government’s action to confront prejudices and misunderstandings within the minds of employers and across wider society.

David Gauke, Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, said: “We have record numbers of people in work which is great news, but there are still people missing out on the available opportunities because of barriers to employment.

“These pilots are yet another step forward in our efforts to help people of all backgrounds enjoy the benefits of work, and will boost the wide ranging support we currently offer through local experts like Jobcentre Plus.”

Sajid Javid, Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government, said: “As part of the devolution revolution we’ve handed swathes of power and significant investment to help boost jobs and growth across the country.

“Now we’re going even further to support 6 areas with devolution deals by working with the new combined authority mayors to pilot innovative employment schemes.

“These pilots will trial new approaches to help the most disadvantaged people in our society to get the security of a good job and a regular pay packet, helping to build a country that works for everyone.”