Our response to the ‘Get Britain Working’ White Paper

The publication of the ‘Get Britain Working’ White Paper outlines the UK Government’s strategy to address economic inactivity and boost employment rates. It emphasises the need to tackle long-term sickness-related unemployment, support youth employment, and reform job centres to better serve jobseekers.

In response, The Salvation Army's, Director of Employment Services, Rebecca Keating said: “Secure, good quality jobs with decent wages are one of the best routes out of poverty and social isolation. So, we welcome the Government’s commitment to reduce the level of economic inactivity by helping more people into work. However, we find the Government’s plan has significant gaps that puts their success at serious risk.

“Although policy changes look to transform Jobcentre Plus into a National Jobs and Careers Service to provide holistic support, it does not explicitly outline support measures for individuals who are not claiming Universal Credit or health-related benefits. Also, there are very few references to employability support providers who have a proven track record of achieving successful outcomes for this group of people.

“We urge the Government to work with trusted organisations who are already embedded in local communities and have the expertise to address the challenges that lead people to becoming economically inactive.

“Empowering local areas can lead to more tailored and effective interventions and we welcome the commitment to local devolution, but in recent years have seen firsthand some of the challenges faced at a local level with designing, implementing and commissioning projects. There must be clear guidelines and support to ensure that local plans are inclusive and address the needs of the most disadvantaged groups.

“The Salvation Army’s Employment Plus service, which offers specialised, tailored and holistic support has successfully helped some of the most marginalized, socially isolated, and vulnerable people in the UK to overcome barriers to employment. We stand ready to help the Government ensure that support is made available to anyone who wants to work.”

The Salvation Army is also calling for:

• Long-term, sustainable Government investment in specialist employment services that support vulnerable and marginalised job seekers. Current funding from the UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF) is due to end in 2026.
• A cross-Government task force to tackle, with empathy and compassion, the reasons people are not earning and are trapped in poverty.