A new proposal suggests that Jobcentres, which serves those using Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) and Universal Credit across the UK, should integrate NHS services in order to get more back people into the workforce.
NHS Role in Tackling Economic Inactivity
The Guardian reports that a groundbreaking research shows that there are around 3 million “economically inactive” individuals.
It argues that a system that relies mainly on benefit sanctions has failed to address economic inactivity, and any major effort to tackle this issued must offer tailored help based on health.
This means that communities should grant people who want to work and to employers looking for workers personalized support and advice, with a key role for NHS care boards.
Call for Health-Centered Strategy to Address Economic Inactivity
The report from the Pathway to Work Commission is expected to launch on Tuesday, however the Guardian has observes elements of its conclusions ahead of time. Alan Milburn, the previous health secretary, stated: “The one-stick benefits sanctions approach of recent years has failed. The previous government pointed public policy ammunition at the wrong target. Unsurprisingly they kept missing.
“With a new government in place and inactivity rates that show no sign of slowing down, this is the moment for a fundamental change in direction. The country cannot afford to have a whole generation of young people consigned to a life devoid of both work and hope.”
The new Labour Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer — who won the General Election back on July 4 — stated: “Our skills system is in a mess, which is why we are transforming our approach to meet skills needs over the coming decades.
“They will help to deliver our number one mission as a government, to kickstart economic growth, by opening up new opportunities for young people and enabling British businesses to recruit more homegrown talent.”
Milburn is also believed to have been in contact with Liz Kendall, the work and pensions secretary, and Wes Streeting, the health secretary, with Keir Starmer’s government devouted to tackle economic inactivity as it advocates for expanded growth.
The year-long research shows that about 2.8 million economically inactive individuals across the UK are out of work due to suffering from either mental or physical health issues, though what triggers this is complex, health should be at the core of efforts to adress the issue.