The government has today published its plans for biggest reforms to employment support in a generation, backed by £240m of investment.
Local MP Amanda Martin has welcomed the plans, saying they will give people in our city the support they need to find good jobs.
The plans will ensure every young person in Portsmouth is earning or learning, transform job centres, and give local leaders in England and Wales the power and money to drive their own agendas.
Job centres in Portsmouth, including Cosham will benefit from an improved digital offer, greater flexibility for work coaches to support those looking for work, a joint jobs and careers service, and a joined-up approach with other local services. They will be more focused on serving local employers’ needs.
Work and Pensions Secretary Liz Kendall says these reforms “can build a healthier wealthier nation – driving up employment and opportunity.”
Measures announced in White Paper will fuel growth as Government rebuilds Britain in a decade of national renewal.
Amanda Martin MP has welcomed the biggest reforms to employment support for a generation.
This comes as part of the Government’s plan to Get Britain Working, which sets out its first major steps to achieve an ambitious 80 per cent employment rate.
Over a hundred thousand are unemployed in the South East. Nationally, 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, and nine million adults lack the basic skills they need to get on.
The new plan promises fundamental reform to help people get good jobs and put more money in people’s pockets.
The plan will rebuild Britain, driving up employment and driving down poverty in Portsmouth, delivering real change as part of a decade of national renewal.
Local MP Amanda Martin said:
“The White Paper is part of wider UK Government action to spread opportunity and fix the foundations of our economy. This includes launching Skills England to create a shared national plan to boost the nation’s skills, creating more good jobs through our modern Industrial Strategy, and strengthening employment rights through our Plan to Make Work Pay.”
“I’m pleased that every 18-21-year-old in Portsmouth will have access to an apprenticeship, quality training and education opportunities or help to find a job under a new ‘Youth Guarantee’.”
Work and Pensions Secretary Liz Kendall MP said:
“To get Britain growing, we need to get Britain working again. Our reforms will break down barriers to opportunity, help people to get into work and on at work, allow local leaders to boost jobs and growth, and give our children and young people the best opportunities to get on in life.”
“The Get Britain Working White Paper shows that this Government stands unashamedly for work. We will make sure everyone, regardless of their background, age, ethnicity, health, disability or postcode can benefit from the dignity and purpose work can bring.”
“We can build a healthier, wealthier nation – driving up employment and opportunity, skills and productivity – while driving down the benefit bill.”
The plans Jobcentre reform include:
Jobcentres across Great Britain will be overhauled and in England will be brought together with the National Careers Service. This will be kickstarted by £55 million of investment, to help people get into work, stay in work, build skills and progress in their career.
A radically improved digital offer will be trialled to bring Jobcentres into the 21st century, with the DWP using the latest technologies and AI to provide up-to date information on jobs, skills and other support and to free up Work Coach time.
Staff at Jobcentres will have more flexibility to offer a more personalised service to jobseekers – moving away from the ‘tick box’ culture. New coaching academies will also be set up to upskill, so work coaches, our greatest assets, can focus on coaching and employment support.
Adele Ablett, who has worked at the DWP for 38 years and now manages five Jobcentres and 71 Work Coaches said:
“It’s a real privilege to support people at vulnerable times in their lives and help them find the right pathway for them – whether that be through training or work. With more customers coming through our doors with complex health needs and mental health challenges, the demand on our service has never been greater.”
“The changes in the Get Britain Working White Paper will help us to amplify this support to reach more people and change more lives. It will give us more flexibility to build strong relationships with employers and organisations, so everyone sees us the way I do – as the go-to place for businesses to recruit and as a public service passionate about people and possibilities.”
