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Read Full ArticleThe Labour Party has often been seen as weak on the work shy but now skivers and shirkers will find a much harder party in power. A get Back to Work Plan is being developed to drive economic growth.
On a visit to Leeds on Thursday 11 July, Work and Pensions Secretary Liz Kendall confirmed the new government’s commitments to tackle economic inactivity.
The visit came days after the Chancellor, Rachel Reeves, unveiled plans to securing sustained economic growth with housebuilding at its core.
Economic inactivity
Kendall said rising levels of economic inactivity are unacceptable and that immediate action must be taken. 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 or training.
Kendall said there are three pillars of the Back to Work Plan:
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 mayors and local areas.
A youth guarantee for all young people aged 18 to 21.
Kendall said: “Our Back to Work Plan is central to achieving our plans. Economic inactivity is holding Britain back – it’s bad for people, it’s bad for businesses and it’s bad for growth.
”It is not good enough that the UK is the only G7 country with employment not back to pre-pandemic levels.
”It is time for change in every corner of the country.
”We’ll create more good jobs, make work pay, transform skills and overhaul jobcentres, alongside action to tackle the root causes of worklessness including poor physical and mental health.”
Job centres
Under the DWP’s 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.
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.
Picture: Work and Pensions Secretary Liz Kendall.
Article written by Cathryn Ellis
15th July 2024