Get Britain Working | Consensus HR in Herts & Beds
What Employers Need to Know:
The recently published “Get Britain Working” White Paper will bring locally led health, work and skills plans to the fore. It aims to drive down the near record figure of 2.8 million people currently out of work due to long-term sickness.
A new joint programme by the Department for Work and Pensions and the Department of Health and Social, WorkWell, went live in October this year. It was backed by £64 million funding and will reach 56,000 people across the 15 pilot sites by spring 2026.
More details were recently revealed by the Work and Pensions Secretary, Liz Kendall, and Health Secretary, Wes Streeting, on a visit to the employment support service being offered at a north London medical centre.
They met local GPs, as well as Work and Health Coaches who deliver the WorkWell services across North Central London. These coaches support people to return to, or remain in, work by helping them to manage their physical or mental wellbeing in the workplace.
WorkWell pilots connect thousands of people to local support services, such as physiotherapy and counselling.
Ms Kendall said: “Good work is good for health and good for our economy too. That’s why our ‘Get Britain Working’ White Paper will join up work, health and skills plans to tackle economic inactivity and boost employment across the country.”
The White Paper is expected to include details of a new jobs and careers service to help get more people into and succeeding in work. In addition, a new Youth Guarantee will mean that every young person is given the opportunity to earn or learn. This will be achieved by linking jobseekers with employers, with an increased focus on skills and careers.
As the UK’s workforce faces evolving challenges, the “Get Britain Working” initiative and its corresponding white paper have been introduced to address key issues in employment, job creation, and economic growth. This initiative is designed to support both employers and employees by providing measures to enhance employment opportunities and develop the workforce. Let’s break down the main points and what this means for businesses.
What is the “Get Britain Working” Initiative?
“Get Britain Working” is a government-led initiative aimed at increasing employment and reducing job vacancies across various sectors. The initiative is a response to current economic pressures, skills shortages, and shifting labour market demands. Through this program, the government aims to create a more inclusive job market by promoting fair work, expanding training opportunities, and supporting economic growth.
Key Aspects of the White Paper:
The white paper, recently released by the government, outlines several areas of focus that are critical to achieving the goals of the “Get Britain Working” initiative. Here are the core elements that employers should know about:
- Skills and Training Development:
The white paper emphasises the need for continuous skills training and upskilling of the workforce. The government plans to allocate funding to support vocational training programs, apprenticeships, and digital skills initiatives. Employers are encouraged to collaborate with educational institutions and training providers to develop relevant skills in line with market demands.
- Encouraging Economic Participation:
A key priority of the white paper is to increase participation in the workforce, particularly for groups facing barriers to employment, such as older workers, individuals with disabilities, and those with caregiving responsibilities. The initiative promotes flexible working arrangements and better support systems to create more inclusive workplaces.
- Job Creation and Retention:
Job creation is central to “Get Britain Working.” The government is providing incentives for businesses to hire, train, and retain employees. Small businesses may benefit from grants and tax reliefs aimed at boosting recruitment. These measures are intended to strengthen job security and support industries that are experiencing shortages.
- Addressing Workforce Wellbeing:
Recognising the importance of mental health and wellbeing in retaining a productive workforce, the white paper outlines recommendations for mental health support. It includes suggestions for workplace wellbeing programs, mental health resources, and an emphasis on creating supportive environments where employees can thrive.
- Boosting Regional Employment:
The initiative also targets job creation across different regions, with a focus on supporting economic growth in areas that have historically struggled with higher unemployment rates. The government plans to collaborate with regional development agencies to boost local job markets and drive sustainable growth.
What This Means for Employers:
The “Get Britain Working” white paper offers valuable insights into future workplace trends and government support that employers can access. By taking proactive steps to align with these measures, businesses can benefit from grants, tax reliefs, and support to improve recruitment, training, and retention efforts.
For employers, this initiative provides an opportunity to reassess workforce strategies, particularly in the areas of diversity, skills development, and employee wellbeing. Adapting to these areas can ensure businesses are well-equipped to navigate labour market challenges and thrive in a competitive economic landscape
How Consensus HR Can Help:
At Consensus HR, we’re here to help businesses understand the implications of the “Get Britain Working” initiative and align with its goals effectively. We can assist with developing tailored HR strategies that support your business in creating a strong, skilled, and inclusive workforce. Contact us to discuss how we can help your business take advantage of these new opportunities.
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