The new Government has pledged to introduce “a new political model and a new economic model” while seeking to boost economic growth. One of the challenges facing ministers is the growing number of people who are out of work, including more than one million young people who are not in education, employment or training. At the same time, the benefits bill is forecast to continue rising over the coming years.
According to comments reported by the Express, training provider Strive Training believes employment support should be viewed as more than a job-search exercise. The organisation delivers courses across subjects including business administration, hospitality and civil service preparation, with many learners being people who have spent months out of work while claiming benefits such as Universal Credit and Personal Independence Payment (PIP).
Training Providers Call for Funding to Focus on Sustained Employment
Jonny Phillips, managing director of Strive Training, said funding arrangements should reward organisations that help people move into long-term employment rather than simply encouraging participation in training programmes.
According to Mr Phillips, providers should be recognised when learners progress into permanent jobs and remain in employment. He argued that funding should reflect the support required to achieve those outcomes instead of concentrating solely on the final result.
Mr Phillips also identified several groups that, in his view, would benefit from more targeted support. These include adults who have experienced long-term unemployment, people aged over 50, lone parents, individuals with low confidence, those with learning needs, people with limited digital skills, and individuals living with health conditions or disabilities.
He added that grant funding should reach people who require more extensive assistance than basic employability workshops, suggesting that personalised support is necessary for many claimants before they can successfully enter the labour market.
PIP Review Continues as Concerns Raised over Employment Support
Mr Phillips also commented on the position of people receiving disability-related benefits, including PIP. According to his remarks, receiving PIP should not automatically be regarded as evidence that someone is unable to work. At the same time, he said claimants should not be encouraged into roles that are unsuitable for their circumstances.
Instead, he argued that employment support should focus on personalised assistance, realistic job matching and employers prepared to make reasonable adjustments where needed.
The Government is currently undertaking a major review of PIP. According to the interim report published as part of that review, the current system is no longer considered fit for purpose in its existing form.
PIP provides financial support for people living with long-term health conditions or disabilities. The benefit is not means-tested, meaning claimants can remain in work without this affecting their entitlement. Payments are intended to help cover the additional costs associated with a person’s condition, with the amount awarded depending on how their disability or health condition affects daily living and mobility.
The Government also continues to provide grant funding aimed at helping people move into employment. The article reports that ministers have recently increased funding for both the Youth Guarantee and the Growth and Skills Levy, while debate continues over how employment support should be targeted under the new administration.
