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North-east work coaches join national drive to get 500,000 jobless back to work


By Alan Beresford

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DEPARTMENT of Work and Pensions (DWP) work coaches across the north-east are forming part of a drive to get 500,000 cross the country back to work by the end of June.

North-east DWP work coaches will be joining a national effort to get 500,000 back into work by June. Picture: Daniel Forsyth
North-east DWP work coaches will be joining a national effort to get 500,000 back into work by June. Picture: Daniel Forsyth

The target forms part of ambitious UK Government plans to turbo-charge the national recovery from Covid-19.

As pandemic restrictions begin to lift and life heads towards more normality, the Way to Work campaign will focus on getting job-ready people off Universal Credit and into work, rapidly filling vacancies which are at a record high.

Targeted predominantly at those in the intensive work search group on Universal Credit, Way to Work will support people back into work faster than ever before and filling vacancies more quickly. The number of people unemployed in Scotland is at 100,000 – down 21,000 on the quarter with online job adverts rising in the region by 13.3 per cent since Covid-19 began.

To support people into work faster those who are capable of work will be expected to search more widely for available jobs from the fourth week of their claim, rather than from three months as is currently the case.

The DWP say that this will provide a clearer focus to ensure that, if people are not able to find work in their previous occupation or sector, they are expected to look for work in another sector and this will be part of their requirements for receiving their benefit payment.

For the vast majority of people who are already engaging fully with Jobcentre Plus, this could be the extra support they need to secure a job. However, for the small minority who do not engage, the sanctions regime will operate as usual.

They will be supported in this with more time spent face to face with a work coach to receive better, tailored support.

Margarita Morrison, DWP Area Director Work and Health Services Scotland. Picture: Twitter
Margarita Morrison, DWP Area Director Work and Health Services Scotland. Picture: Twitter

Margarita Morrison, DWP Area Director Work and Health Services Scotland, said: “Our dedicated work coaches in Scotland are working flat out to help people get back into work as we bounce back from the pandemic.

“We want people to know we’re there for them and that we’re working with employers to identify and help fill their vacancies in all sectors, especially key industries.”

Secretary of State for the Department of Work and Pensions, Thérèse Coffey.
Secretary of State for the Department of Work and Pensions, Thérèse Coffey.

Work and Pensions Secretary Thérèse Coffey commented: “Helping people get any job now, means they can get a better job and progress into a career.

“Way to Work is a step change in our offer to claimants and employers, making sure our Jobcentre network and excellent work coaches can deliver opportunities, jobs and prosperity to all areas of the country.

“As we emerge from Covid, we are going to tackle supply challenges and support the continued economic recovery by getting people into work. Our new approach will help claimants get quickly back into the world of work while helping ensure employers get the people they and the economy needs.”

Chancellor of the Exchequer Rishi Sunak. Picture: Leon Neal/Pool/AFP)
Chancellor of the Exchequer Rishi Sunak. Picture: Leon Neal/Pool/AFP)

Chancellor of the Exchequer, Rishi Sunak said: “It's important that everyone has the opportunity and support to find a good job to help them get on in life.

"That’s why we’re doubling down on our Plan for Jobs with this new campaign to harness the talent of jobseekers and support employers to fill vacancies, find work and create new opportunities.

“Together we will boost this country’s jobs-led recovery.”

UK Government Minister for Scotland, Iain Stewart. Picture: Daniel Forsyth
UK Government Minister for Scotland, Iain Stewart. Picture: Daniel Forsyth

UK Government Minister for Scotland Iain Stewart added: “This campaign will help more jobseekers find roles in sectors where their skills are most in demand, helping level up opportunity and support businesses across the UK.

“Payrolled employees in Scotland are increasing at a greater monthly percentage than anywhere else in the UK, but there’s still work to be done to match even more people with well-paid, skilled jobs."


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