Over-50s offered ‘skills bootcamp’ to get back into the workforce

Chancellor will use Budget to announce the launch of scheme to get thousands of people into employment

BOOTCAMPS to teach older workers new skills are to be launched across the country to help get over-50s back to work, the Chancellor will announce in his Budget this week.

The bootcamps, both online and in person, are to be run by the Government in partnership with employers.

They will be promoted through Jobcentres and through a major expansion of the “mid-life MOT” scheme.

Over-50s will be particularly encouraged to take courses that qualify them to work in the construction and technology industries – areas where there is already a shortage in the labour market.

Jeremy Hunt told The Sunday Telegraph: “While employment rates are at near record highs, we still have eight million people outside the jobs market.

“This is a lost opportunity for millions to improve their lives, and for our businesses to plug their skills gaps.

“Rather than just relying on labour from abroad, I want to ensure businesses have the skilled, domestic workforce they need to grow.”

Tackling economic inactivity is a key component of the Chancellor’s plans, as employment numbers have languished far below pre-pandemic levels, harming the UK’s already-struggling economy.

However, the Resolution Foundation think tank recently said while threequarters of the rise in economic inactivity was among those aged 50 and over, efforts to get pandemic retirees to “unretire” were unlikely to succeed.

As part of what he calls his “back-towork Budget” on Wednesday, Mr Hunt will also announce the axing of the system used to assess eligibility for sickness benefits.

It will mean claimants can continue to receive the payments after they return to employment, according to the Treasury. This will allow them to move into work without fear of being reassessed and losing their benefits.

Mr Hunt will also detail an overhaul of the Universal Credit system that is aimed at encouraging claimants to move into work or increase their hours.

The Chancellor, who has faced pressure to act on childcare, which in the UK is among the most expensive in the world, is also going to announce a rise in the maximum universal credit childcare allowance.

The level, frozen at £646 per child a month for years, will rise by several hundred pounds, the Treasury said, without providing the exact amount.

The Government will also start paying parents on childcare support up front, rather than in arrears.

Other measures include a ramping up of sanctions for claimants who do not look for or take up employment.

There will also be an increase in the minimum earnings threshold needed to avoid regular meetings with a work coach from the equivalent of 15 to 18 hours a week.

‘This is a lost opportunity for millions to improve their lives and for our businesses to plug their skills gaps’