The reform agenda includes a 240 million-pound investment in employment support, aiming to achieve an 80 percent employment rate as promised in Labour's manifesto.
LONDON, Nov. 26 (Xinhua) -- The British Department for Work and Pensions released a white paper on Tuesday outlining reforms designed to address unemployment and promote youth employment.
Work and Pensions Secretary Liz Kendall emphasized that the white paper reflects the Labour government's commitment to fostering a healthier, wealthier nation while reducing reliance on welfare programs.
The reform agenda includes a 240 million-pound (302.7 million U.S. dollars) investment in employment support, aiming to achieve an 80 percent employment rate as promised in Labour's manifesto. The ultimate goal is for the United Kingdom to achieve the highest employment rate among G7 nations.
One of the key changes involves transforming Jobcenters into a National Jobs and Careers Service. This revamped service will prioritize skill-building and career development over benefit monitoring. Additionally, a Youth Guarantee will ensure that all individuals aged 18-21 in England have access to education, apprenticeships, or training opportunities.
The proposals also focus on tackling mental health challenges and economic inactivity. The government intends to invest 125 million pounds in eight pilot areas to integrate health, skills, and employment support. This initiative includes deploying 8,500 mental health staff, enhancing support for severe mental illnesses, reducing waiting lists at 20 National Health Service (NHS) Trusts in high-inactivity regions, and expanding preventive healthcare. Targeted measures will also be implemented to better support people with disabilities.
Job security and workplace flexibility will be addressed through a separate Employment Rights Bill aimed at reducing job insecurity and expanding opportunities for flexible working arrangements.
Prime Minister Keir Starmer highlighted that the reforms mark a shift from a culture of "blaming and shaming" unemployed individuals. "To put more money in people's pockets, unlock growth, and make people better off, the government will help people into decent, well-paid jobs and give children and young people the best start in life." (1 pound = 1.26 U.S. dollar) ■