UK Government Unveils Major Employment Reforms in ‘Get Britain Working’ Paper

The Department for Work and Pensions recently unveiled its ‘Get Britain Working’ initiative. The plan focuses on increasing the UK’s employment rate to 80% and assisting the economically inactive.

This policy paper highlights three main areas:

1. The National Careers Service: The government plans to revamp Jobcentres and integrate them with the National Careers Service, supported by a £55 million funding. The goal is to assist individuals in securing jobs, maintaining employment, developing skills, and advancing their careers.

2. Youth Guarantee: Every 18-to-21-year-old in England will have access to apprenticeships, training, or education opportunities to help them secure employment. The government will establish eight youth trailblazer areas nationwide, supported by £45 million in funding. These areas provide education, training, or work opportunities for those most likely to disengage from education and employment.

3. Growth and Skills Levy: The government will reform the Apprenticeship Levy into a Growth and Skills Levy, with £40 million in funding. This will facilitate the creation of new foundation and shorter apprenticeships in key sectors.

Kate Nicholls, Chief Executive of UKHospitality, expressed support for the initiative, emphasizing the potential benefits for the hospitality sector. Nicholls praised the focus on youth employment and the proposed reforms to the Jobcentre system. She also welcomed the transformation of the Apprenticeship Levy, but called for a clear timetable for these changes.

However, Nicholls expressed concern about the impact of changes to employer National Insurance Contributions on the hospitality sector, calling for urgent actions to mitigate their effects on employees working fewer hours.