£240 million towards the biggest reforms in 50 years

Following the unveiling of the Employment Rights Bill in October, the government reinforced its commitment to “make work pay” with the release of the Get Britain Working White Paper on 26 November 2024.

Described as the most significant reform in a generation, the plan commits £240 million to achieving an ambitious target: an 80% employment rate.

With over 9 million people in the UK economically inactive – 2.8 million of them due to long-term sickness – and growing concerns about unemployment and health issues among 18-24-year-olds, the need for drastic action is clear.

Key initiatives of the £240 million investment

• Transforming Jobcentres (£55 million): Creating a new national service focused on skills and career coaching rather than benefits.
• Fixing the NHS: Reducing waiting lists by employing more staff in critical areas, prioritising preventative care, and improving access to mental health support.
• Growth and skills levy (£40 million): Revamping the Apprenticeship Levy to deliver a “Youth Guarantee,” ensuring every young person has access to training and education to develop essential skills for work.
• Youth “trailblazer” areas (£45 million): Targeting regions with high economic inactivity by funding initiatives to identify at-risk individuals and connect them with opportunities to prevent unemployment and education dropouts.
• Employing and retaining people with disabilities: Collaborating with employers to create financial independence for individuals with disabilities and reduce the growing benefits bill.
• Modernising DWP services (£55 million): Investing in testing and digital design to make services more accessible and bring them online.