Fedcap Scotland’s Post

Delighted to be attending the Employment Related Services Association (ERSA) Conference this year, and listen to the powerful words “Out of work, out of sight.” from Alison McGovern, Minister of State for Employment. Reflecting on the recently published White Paper and rising economic inactivity, McGovern emphasised the need to rethink how we view those out of work, describing it as a “different kind of unemployment” rather than writing people off. Key takeaways: 📊 Evidence-driven solutions: Data shows inter-work rates are falling, not rising—a wake-up call to address labour market inequalities, not just between the North and South, but within local geographies. 💡 Trailblazers: Women, young people, and those with long-term mental health conditions are central to new strategies designed to tackle regional disparities. 🤝 Collaboration is key: McGovern acknowledged the immense talent in the employment support sector, urging us to shape localised, people-centric solutions. 🎯 The goal? Get Britain Working: Supporting individuals to not only find work but also thrive in their roles. McGovern’s message was clear: the challenge is clear, and the DWP is ready to face it. In turn, the employment support sector stands ready to play its vital part in delivering localised, evidence-driven solutions to tackle economic inactivity and help 'Get Britain Working'. #ERSAConference #ERSA #GetBritainWorking #ERSA2024 #EmploymentSupport Brian Bell Lynn Thompson Susan Paterson FIEP Kirsty Hunn Becky Craven Fiona Jones Jeremy Poon

The "Get Britain Working" White Paper outlines an ambitious plan to address economic inactivity, improve workforce participation, and foster a thriving labour market. While its goals are admirable, many questions remain about how these aspirations will translate into meaningful, tangible change. 🔎 Key criticisms include: 1️⃣ Overambitious targets – Achieving an 80% employment rate seems unlikely without fundamental changes to address structural challenges like ill health, an ageing population, and regional inequalities. 2️⃣ Immediate needs overlooked – While the focus on long-term reform is important, there’s little to address current labour shortages or the immediate needs of those unable to work. 3️⃣ Health system strain – With the NHS already stretched, asking it to take on a critical role in reducing economic inactivity may be unrealistic without new funding and capacity-building measures. 4️⃣ Women and caregivers sidelined – Challenges like access to affordable childcare and addressing the gender pay gap need more actionable commitments. 5️⃣ Funding shortfalls – The £240M pledged for reforms appears insufficient given the scale of the task. While the White Paper recognizes critical issues like the need to integrate health, skills, and employment support, its success will depend on how well these ideas are implemented in practice. Delivering systemic change requires not just ambition, but practical solutions, meaningful investment, and trust-building with local communities. Are these proposals missing the mark? John Ballard #GetBritainWorking #Workforce #HealthAndWork #InclusiveGrowth #workandhealth #production #productivity #performance #illhealth #humancapital #work #employee #employer #workability

This is the Employability Election, and in the employability sector we are lucky to have two great organisations to help get our message across As a fellow of the #IEP I fully support their approach that says "the people who need the most help need the best help the IEP is here to assist all the parties in developing the best strategy for getting Britain back to work. As a member of #ERSA I believe that the 5 points of the manifesto will be the route to a sustainable employability sector. 1) Sustainable commissioning 2) A fairer labour market 3) Access to provision 4) Meeting the needs of employers 5) Health solutions for work. As the leader of the #Grow team, I want all parties to acknowledge the importance of a workforce that embraces women and allows them to fulfil their potential. #employabilityelection #workingforbetterwork

Chancellor Rachel Reeves has unveiled a major "Get Britain Working" initiative aimed at tackling the UK’s persistently high economic inactivity rates 📈. The UK stands out among G7 nations as the only country with higher economic inactivity compared to pre-pandemic levels. Key points include: ● A £240 million investment to assist 2.8 million individuals currently out of work due to long-term sickness in returning to employment. ● A new local "trailblazers" programme designed to streamline work, health, and skills support 🛠️. ● A focus on reaching individuals who are not currently engaged with the system. ● A White Paper outlining further reforms expected later this autumn. CIPD welcomes the initiative but emphasises the need for effective employer engagement to ensure sustainable employment outcomes🌱.

📢 NEW: We're pleased to reveal our blueprint for change — five steps to improve prosperity and widen opportunity by improving access to lifelong learning and good work. 💡 Find out more and download the blueprint: https://lnkd.in/eFGymGam Stephen Evans, L&W chief executive, says: "The choices we make now will chart a course toward the 2030s. We’ve set out five clear steps to start a decade of renewal in lifelong learning and a drive to help everyone that wants to work to find a job. After the declines of the last decade, we need a higher ambition for more adults in learning, more people in work, and a fairer chance for all. That’s good for our economy as well as for giving everyone a fair chance in life." Key further reading: 🔶 'Flex and match: a new Skills Levy for growth and opportunity' https://lnkd.in/eeJJenzy 🔶 'Raising the bar: Increasing employer investment in skills' https://lnkd.in/eF_pTH4Y 🔶 'The great skills divide: how learning inequalities risk holding the UK back' https://lnkd.in/e_uY72Cs 🔶 'Towards full employment: How the UK can increase employment by widening opportunity' https://lnkd.in/epX3s_7T 🔶 'The Young Person's Guarantee' https://lnkd.in/ehePDeeU 🔶 'Unleashing Talent: Levelling up opportunity for young people' https://lnkd.in/eKjWtTq #generalelection #GE2024 #thinktank #policy #skills #employment #betterwork #goodwork #lifelonglearning #AmbitionSkills #flexandmatch

The "Get Britain Working" White Paper outlines a comprehensive strategy to reduce economic inactivity, drive employment growth, and address systemic challenges in the UK’s labour market. It identifies key barriers, including rising inactivity due to ill health, lack of skills, gender disparities, and regional inequalities, while proposing interventions to tackle these issues. Central to the plan is a long-term ambition to achieve an 80% employment rate, positioning the UK among the world's top-performing economies. The government emphasizes reforms across three pillars: industrial strategy and local growth plans to create good jobs nationwide, initiatives to make work more secure and rewarding, and an overhaul of employment support services. Significant investments include a £240 million fund to develop local solutions through trailblazers, enhanced roles for mayors and councils, and tailored support for vulnerable groups like youth and individuals with health conditions. The reforms also involve integrating health, skills, and employment support systems. The NHS will expand access to mental health and musculoskeletal services, reduce elective care waiting lists, and embed employment advisers in care pathways. A "Youth Guarantee" promises all young people access to education, training, or employment opportunities. Additionally, the Jobcentre Plus will evolve into a national jobs and careers service to enhance career progression and match skills to market needs. By addressing labour shortages, fostering inclusive growth, and prioritizing well-being, the White Paper aims to build a thriving workforce that sustains the UK economy and strengthens communities. https://lnkd.in/egNi_3Ey

👷The government has unveiled the Get Britain Working White Paper, a plan to tackle unemployment and economic inactivity with a bold ambition: achieving an 80% employment rate. Gethin Nadin, Chair of the PLG on Workplace Wellbeing, commented: ''This PLG is extremely interested in the detail of the Get Britain Working White Paper. In particular the review into the role of British employers in promoting health. As evidenced by many employers (including some of our founding sponsors) there is a keenness for companies to do more to protect and support the wellbeing of their people. We look forward to seeing how the PLG can support the government's plans." The plan includes: 🔹 £240 million investment to transform jobcentres into a modern National Jobs and Careers Service, shifting from monitoring benefits to empowering careers. 🔹 Youth Guarantee: Every 18-21-year-old will have access to apprenticeships, training, or quality education. 🔹 Tackling health-driven inactivity: Expanded mental health support, reduced NHS waiting times, and a prevention-first approach. 🔹 Empowering local leaders, devolved resources for mayors and councils to craft solutions that fit their communities. 🔹 Supporting inclusion: A new independent review will address how employers can better support disabled individuals and those with health conditions in the workplace. These reforms aim to unlock growth, break down barriers to opportunity, and ensure every person has the chance for rewarding and meaningful work. 💬 What’s next? The government will be consulting to ensure voices — especially those of young people and individuals with disabilities — are at the heart of these changes. https://lnkd.in/edzVP-KP #WorkplaceWellbeing #Careers #SkillsDevelopment #YouthOpportunities #GetBritainWorking

Today's the Day. ‘Time to Rally’: The Employability Election and ERSA Manifesto The UK General Election is taking place on 4th July, and it’s time to join the conversation and spread the word that this is the #EmployabilityElection. The people who need the most help need the best help, and the IEP is here to support all parties to deliver the best possible support to get Britain back to work. “Our collective expertise and dedication are crucial in addressing the employment and skills challenges facing the UK, and together, we can make a significant impact,” said IEP Group CEO Scott Parkin FIEP. “We encourage everyone in our sector to rally behind this message. Let's unite and demonstrate our unwavering commitment to improving employability for all. Share your insights, engage in the dialogue, and advocate for policies that will make a real difference.”   https://lnkd.in/eRVVC_TS @IEPInfo #IEPNews #Employability #IEPEvents #EmployabilityElection @MrEmployability @ERSA_new

In the realm of governance, the relationship between the government and the corporate sector plays a pivotal role in shaping the socio-economic landscape of a nation. A collaborative partnership between these entities can be a potent force for job creation, thereby ensuring a sustainable and functional government. As the adage goes, "No government system will work unless its people do," highlighting the crucial role of employment in the prosperity and stability of a nation. Job creation is not solely the responsibility of the government or the corporate sector but rather a shared endeavor. A collaborative approach harnesses the strengths and resources of both sectors, creating a synergy that fosters sustainable growth. Governments provide the regulatory framework, infrastructure, and conducive environment for businesses to thrive. Simultaneously, corporations drive innovation, investment, and employment opportunities, thereby stimulating economic growth. A key aspect of this partnership is the alignment of government policies with the needs of the corporate sector. Policies that promote entrepreneurship, innovation, and investment create an enabling environment for businesses to expand and create jobs. Additionally, targeted interventions such as skills development programs, vocational training, and job placement initiatives can bridge the gap between the demand and supply of skilled labour, enhancing employability and job creation. Moreover, a collaborative approach towards job creation contributes to social cohesion and inclusivity. By ensuring that marginalized groups have access to employment opportunities, governments and corporations can mitigate social inequalities and promote a more equitable society. This, in turn, fosters a sense of belonging and participation among citizens, strengthening the fabric of the nation. Furthermore, a government that prioritizes job creation demonstrates its commitment to the well-being of its citizens. Employment not only provides individuals with a source of income but also enhances their dignity, self-worth, and quality of life. A workforce that is gainfully employed is more likely to be productive, innovative, and engaged, driving economic growth and prosperity. In conclusion, a collaborative government and corporate partnership approach towards job creation is essential for ensuring a sustainable and functional government. By working together, these entities can create a conducive environment for businesses to thrive, stimulate economic growth, and promote social cohesion. Ultimately, when the people are employed, the government is progressive, laying the foundation for a prosperous and inclusive society. #YouthEmployment #jobcreation #EconomicGrowth #socialjustice #socialimpact #valucreation #growthenablement.