November 26, 2024, marked the unveiling of the UK government’s ‘Get Britain Working Again’ white paper, a sweeping blueprint heralded as the biggest shake-up to employment support in a generation.
The plan aims to boost workforce participation, with a headline ambition of raising the employment rate from 75 per cent to 80 per cent — a transformative step that would see two million more people in work.
Key to this vision is the introduction of a Youth Guarantee, ensuring that every 18- to 21-year-old in England has access to apprenticeships, training, or job opportunities. The government also announced the rebranding of job centres into a National Jobs and Careers Service and pledged expanded funding for mental health support and obesity prevention, targeting the factors that drive economic inactivity.
Additionally, the government has introduced measures to tackle health-related barriers to employment, with Work and Pensions Secretary Liz Kendall announcing targeted funds to cut waiting lists at the 20 NHS trusts with the highest levels of economic inactivity. This initiative aims to support individuals on long-term sick leave back into work by addressing health challenges more rapidly.
Work and Pensions Secretary Liz Kendall shares insight on the government’s new employment reforms
“To get Britain growing, we need to get Britain working again. Our reforms will 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,” Liz said.
“The Get Britain Working White Paper shows that this Government stands unashamedly for work. We will make sure everyone, regardless of their background, age, ethnicity, health, disability or postcode can benefit from the dignity and purpose work can bring.”
Economic inactivity has surged in the UK, with young people aged 16 to 24 experiencing the sharpest rise. Official data reveals that the employment rate currently stands at 74.8%, while the economic inactivity rate is 21.8%, reflecting over nine million individuals who are neither working nor actively seeking work. Of this figure, 2.8 million are unable to work due to long-term sickness, contributing to the persistent post-pandemic challenges.
The unemployment rate sits at 4.3%, equating to approximately 1.49 million people out of work.
Peter Cheese, CEO of the Chartered Institute for Personnel and Development, has called the government’s plan “a step in the right direction” but emphasised the need for greater ambition to establish apprenticeships as a “viable alternative to university.” He pointed out that strong employer collaboration and reduced barriers like rising employment costs are essential for the reforms to succeed.
WATCH OUR INTERVIEW WITH PETER CHEESE
While these reforms are designed to tackle entrenched issues, including the economic inactivity of 16- to 24-year-olds, critics suggest gaps remain. Labour shadow ministers welcomed the renewed focus but warned that delays to reviewing sickness benefits risk undermining progress. Businesses, meanwhile, have expressed concerns over rising taxes and National Insurance, which could strain their ability to hire apprentices and train staff.
The white paper also pledges investment in northern England to combat ill-health-related job losses and a review of workplace inclusion. But the success of these policies, as noted by the Resolution Foundation, will depend on delivering the promised “cast-iron” guarantees to young people and ensuring employers are supported in creating meaningful opportunities.
This comprehensive reform agenda signals a clear commitment to tackling unemployment and economic inactivity. However, as the policy evolves, the focus will need to shift from intention to implementation, ensuring the bold vision translates into meaningful outcomes for Britain’s workforce.
