This week the new Work and Pensions Secretary confirmed the Government’s commitment to its manifesto Back to Work plan, saying tackling economic inactivity is central to the Government’s number one mission of growing the economy.
9.4 million people are now economically inactive, a record 2.8 million people are out of work due to long-term sickness, and 900,000 young people (1 in 8) are not in education, employment, and training.
The Government’s Back to Work Plan will be made up of three pillars:
- A new national jobs and career service to help get more people into work, and on in their work.
- New work, health and skills plans for the economically inactive, led by Majors and local area.
- A youth guarantee for all young people aged 18-21.
Under the plan, Jobcentre Plus and the National Careers Service will be merged to get more people into work and to support those seeking better opportunities with the means to find better paid work.
The Youth Guarantee will mean more opportunities for training, an apprenticeship or help to find work for all young people aged 18-21 years old, to prevent young people becoming excluded from the world of work at a young age.
More disabled people and those with health conditions will be supported to enter and stay in work, by devolving more power to local areas so they can shape a joined-up work, health, and skills offer that suits the needs of the people they serve.