New changes for the job centre as work coaches to focus on long-term unemployed. The UK government is set to unveil a significant overhaul of its employment support system in the coming weeks.
The announcement comes alongside the redeployment of 1,000 work coaches, which officials describe as a crucial first step towards better supporting the economically inactive population, particularly those hindered by long-term sickness.
UK government plans overhaul of employment support system
The announcement by the government reflects an acute recognition of the deficiencies within the current support framework. According to the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP), the existing system falls short in its ability to intervene early enough to prevent unemployment. It has also been characterised by “poor experiences and low trust among many people who use it.”
This sentiment is echoed by the findings of a recent survey, which indicated that 44% of disabled individuals feel the DWP fails to adequately support those out of work due to health impairments.
Cliff Notes
- The government has deployed 1,000 work coaches as a preliminary measure to reform employment support.
- About 2.8 million individuals are economically inactive due to long-term health issues.
- Government expenditure on sickness benefits reached £65 billion last year, with projections suggesting an increase to £100 billion by the next general election.
- A significant proportion of disabled individuals express distrust in the DWP’s ability to assist them in achieving their career potential.
- Work and Pensions Secretary Liz Kendall asserts the need for a supportive system for sick and disabled people wishing to work.
The DWP has highlighted that approximately 2.8 million people are economically inactive due to long-term sickness. Last year, spending on sickness benefits surged to £65 billion, a stark 25% increase compared to the year preceding the Covid pandemic. Forecasts predict this amount could rise to approximately £100 billion before the next general election.
Chancellor Rachel Reeves has already suggested several billion pounds in draft spending cuts that may impact welfare and other government departments ahead of the Spring Statement. In light of these financial considerations, Work and Pensions Secretary Liz Kendall has condemned the inherited welfare system as “broken,” stating it fails to support sick and disabled individuals, ultimately straining taxpayers and impeding economic growth.
“For too long, sick and disabled people have been told they can’t work, denied support, and locked out of jobs, with all the benefits that good work brings,” Kendall remarked. “But many sick and disabled people want and can work, with the right support.”
Recent survey data from Ipsos, which polled 5,002 individuals, revealed that 44% of disabled people and those living with health conditions did not trust the DWP to assist them in fulfilling their potential in the workplace.
These figures illustrate a significant disconnect between government support and the lived experiences of many in the disabled community, who assert there isn’t enough aid for those out of work due to health-related issues.
The DWP has indicated that more detailed findings from this survey will be published shortly.
FAQs
What is the purpose of redeploying 1,000 work coaches?
The redeployment aims to initiate a reform of the employment support system by improving early interventions and trust among users.
What challenges do long-term sickness pose to the Economy?
Long-term sickness contributes significantly to economic inactivity, thus impacting productivity and increasing government spending on benefits.
What is the significance of the upcoming overhaul of the employment support system?
The overhaul is intended to better support sick and disabled individuals and improve their employability, thereby alleviating financial pressures on the welfare system.