DWP to help thousands of people back into work with new £80million scheme

Thousands of people who have dropped out of the job market because of mental health problems or social isolation are to be helped back into work under a major £80million Government plan. The Department for Work and Pensions said the new cash boost will fund tailored schemes across nine areas of England and Wales, with a focus on breaking the link between poor health and unemployment.
Unlike traditional job schemes, local councils and mayors will be given control over how the money is used - with measures ranging from peer support groups and confidence-building sessions to mental health treatment and skills training.
Work and Pensions Secretary Pat McFadden said: “For too long too many people have been locked out of the job market, which fails them and fails our economy. That is why we are doing things differently – putting local leaders in the driving seat so the right support goes to their community.
"By investing in our trailblazers we’re helping people who were previously underserved or overlooked to build the confidence and skills they need to thrive.”
The “inactivity trailblazer” programme was launched in April and is being extended for another year after early success in areas such as Denbighshire and Blaenau Gwent, where wellbeing sessions, teamwork training and confidence-building courses have already shown promising results.
Among those helped is Aaron, a young autistic man who had suffered years of anxiety and isolation following bullying. Support from the local trailblazer scheme allowed him to develop job-readiness skills and create a safe social group that has since helped others in his community.
The new funding – part of the Government’s Plan for Change – will target regions with the highest levels of economic inactivity. It comes just days after official figures revealed 9.1 million people are currently out of the labour market across the UK.
The largest share of the new investment – £20million – will go to the Greater London Authority, which will run three pilot programmes.
A further £10million each will be provided to:
Area Funding
York and North Yorkshire £10m
South Yorkshire £10m
West Yorkshire £10m
The North East £10m
Greater Manchester £10m
Wales £10m
Officials say the scheme will combine health, employment and skills support in one place - a shift from the traditional “one-size-fits-all” approach. Welsh Secretary Jo Stevens said the plan would “unlock opportunities and improve wellbeing”, while Welsh Minister Jack Sargeant added that tailored local support was already “making a real difference”.
South Yorkshire Mayor Oliver Coppard said: “The legacy of industrial decline left behind deep-rooted challenges. For too long, poor health, low skills, and limited opportunity have held too many people back. I’m proud we’ve secured another year of funding for our Economic Trailblazer. It’s helping thousands of people into good, secure jobs.”
West Yorkshire Mayor Tracy Brabin added: “This support really matters for people here in West Yorkshire, helping us to break down barriers to work and put more money in people’s pockets. Everyone deserves a fair chance to flourish.”
Daily Mirror