In November 2024, The UK Government has announced what it describes as the “biggest employment reforms in a generation”, including £170 million of new funding for 16 “trailblazer” employment programmes across selected mayoral authorities, Welsh councils and London boroughs.
Outlined in the Get Britain Working White Paper, published on 26 November, the reforms aim to strengthen local support for employment, health, and skills. The plans include £125 million to support eight areas across England and Wales with work, health, and skills initiatives, and a further £45 million for eight “youth trailblazer” local authority regions.
The Government said the funding responds to “stark figures” showing almost 1.5 million people unemployed, more than nine million inactive, and a record 2.8 million out of work due to long-term sickness.
Youth and Economic Inactivity Trailblazers
According to the white paper, the eight youth trailblazer areas will “design and test how different elements of the guarantee can be brought together into a coherent offer for young people, with clear leadership and accountability and proactive engagement to make sure no young person misses out.”
“All trailblazers will have a set of agreed outcomes, shared governance and a commitment to robust evaluation and learning,” it added.
Meanwhile, the eight “economic inactivity trailblazers” will work with local partners to develop integrated work, health, and skills programmes designed to re-engage people who are currently outside the workforce.
The paper stated that these areas will pilot new interventions and increase engagement with local communities. In three English regions, £45 million will be allocated specifically for collaboration with local NHS Integrated Care Systems (ICS).
The inactivity trailblazer regions are West Yorkshire, the North East, South Yorkshire, York and North Yorkshire, Greater Manchester, two London boroughs, and one area in Wales. The youth trailblazers will be based in the Liverpool City Region, West Midlands, Tees Valley, East Midlands, West of England, Cambridgeshire & Peterborough, and two London areas.
Wider Reforms
Beyond the trailblazer programmes, the white paper also sets out plans to modernise Jobcentres, expand access to apprenticeships and training for young people, and increase mental health support to address waiting lists in areas with high economic inactivity.
Secretary of State for Work and Pensions Liz Kendall said the reforms would “break down barriers to opportunity, help people to get into work and on at work, allow local leaders to boost jobs and growth, and give our children and young people the best opportunities to get on in life.”
Andy Burnham, Mayor of Greater Manchester, commented: “The Secretary of State has seen for herself the difference that our Live Well approach is already making in Greater Manchester, where our brilliant community partners are building trust and helping break down barriers to work and wellbeing.
“Through our new trailblazer, and with Government backing, we can build on these strong foundations and help more people find the sense of purpose that comes with good work. That is how we will help everyone to achieve their potential, ease pressure on our public services, and deliver growth in our city-region and across the country.”
Steve Rotheram, Mayor of the Liverpool City Region, added: “Devolution is already making a huge difference to people’s lives in the Liverpool City Region. We’ve helped thousands of people into work, created opportunities for young people through apprenticeships, and supported adults to gain the skills they need to thrive. This shows what can be achieved when decisions are made closer to the people they affect.
“That’s why I welcome the Government’s plans to give Mayors more of the tools and resources we need to break down the barriers keeping people out of work. Whether it’s tackling skills shortages, improving childcare, or supporting people with health conditions, this is a chance to make a real difference.”
How has this effected Wigan Borough?
This fund – the Inactivity Trailblazer – was brought into Wigan Borough by us and Wigan Council as Progress With Unity: Path To Purpose, distributed to 10 different VCFSE Organisations!