Back to work

How the UK Government is supporting jobseekers and businesses

THE UK Government’s Plan for Jobs is at the heart of the UK’s recovery from the economic impact of the pandemic, and is already helping people of all ages back into employment.

Across the UK there is a range of support to get people back on their feet and thriving in work — whether it’s help to switch careers by developing new skills, bespoke support to spot key local vacancies or training to grow the confidence to land that all important new role. Over the past ten months, the UK Government has helped millions of people to continue to provide for their families as part of its Plan for Jobs to protect, support and create employment.

An unprecedented £280 billion support package has been provided to safeguard jobs in every region and nation of the UK, with support now extended until April 2021. This builds on the nine million jobs already protected through the furlough scheme, £13 billion provided for the self-employed, and billions of pounds in tax deferrals and grants for businesses.

Victoria Sterman, chief executive of Resource, says “We fully support the DWP’s push to get people back into work through a range of programmes. Initiatives such as the Kickstart Scheme are crucial as they allow people their first step into the job market, laying the foundations for their long-term career, and also offer valuable support to employers who get a committed, motivated employee. We are delighted to have been approved to recruit for a new role at Resource under the Kickstart Scheme.”

Work Avenue CEO Debbie Sheldon, says: “The Kickstart Scheme is specifically aimed at young people who are on Universal Credit and at risk of long-term unemployment. Cost is normally the biggest barrier to employers taking someone on. But this way the Government contributes, helping both the job seeker and the business. They are going to supply a minimum wage for 25 hours a week for six months and include all the other contributions like NI and pension as well.

“There are caveats — for example it has to be a job that’s new...

“The other requirement is for the employer to give the young person an opportunity to develop their skills in order for them to find long-term work. Many employers who have applied for the Kickstart programme have asked to join Work Avenue, so that we can provide the job-readiness element of the scheme and help with the onboarding process.

“My advice for an employer thinking about signing up to the scheme is to speak to us, as we understand it and can help you provide what you need to.”

Looking at the Sector-based Work Academy Programme (see box, right), Debbie says: “The idea for this scheme is that people in specific industries should develop their own training programmes to help those who are on benefits get into a job in that sector.

“The employer provides the programme for two to six weeks — which should be sector-specific and technical — and again that is something Work Avenue can help with, and then a period of work experience. The final requirement on the employer is to give a guaranteed interview for any vacancies. It’s a good way to help people learn the specific skills they will need to do a job.”

She knows many people who have benefited from the DWP New Enterprise Allowance.

“You work with a mentor to help develop your business plan — similarly to the way we work with businesses at Work Avenue to develop plans and strategies. If you are approved for NEA you get a weekly allowance worth up to £1,274 over 26 weeks. It’s a really nice scheme and many people have made use of it.”

Kisharon offers opportunity and support — as well as education — to adults and children with learning difficulties. Shlomo Weltman is the employment and opportunities manager for the charity and

is passionate about finding work opportunities for people Kisharon support. He and his team are helping people they support to set up new small businesses.

“Jobs provide purpose, routine and independence and they enable those we support to integrate with others and help people feel proud and fulfilled,” he says.

“We hope to create an exciting employment future.”