Roundup of recent DWP announcements
Flagship Universal Support scheme announced
A £53 million initiative to help 25,000 long-term sick and disabled people into work has been launched as part of the Government’s Universal Support programme. Jobcentre Work Coaches and contracted providers will identify and refer participants, with the goal of helping 25,000 people move towards employment by September 2024. This programme, part of the broader Universal Support initiative, focuses on overcoming complex employment barriers. Participants will receive personalised support, connecting them with suitable employers and providing in-work assistance. Universal Support will expand to help at least 50,000 people yearly by 2025/26, addressing health, debt, and workplace adjustments.
For full details about the programme please see the press release on GOV.UK.
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Government joins forces with industry to create next generation of hospitality leaders
Jobseekers are now able to access a new Government-backed employment programme designed to fill vacancies in the hospitality sector.
The Hospitality Sector-based Work Academy Programme (SWAP) was launched by DWP in collaboration with UKHospitality.
The pilot scheme is set to launch in Liverpool before being rolled out to other major cities over the coming months. It will see benefit claimants gain an industry recognised accreditation, endorsed by industry leaders including Greene King, Marriot Hotels and ACC Liverpool.
The scheme is designed to provide tailored training for jobseekers from industry experts, allowing them to move into a career in hospitality, while boosting workforce participation in the sector and helping to grow the economy.
The programme will culminate with a guaranteed job interview for all participants, helping jobseekers with a valuable progression opportunity to apply their new skills and a pathway to apprenticeships.
New Homelessness Covenant for employers
Employers are encouraged to sign up to the newly launched Homelessness Covenant to commit to inclusive and supportive employment practices that will help to prevent and end homelessness. The Covenant has been launched by the homelessness charity Crisis in collaboration with DWP and the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities.
The Covenant aims to support employers to:
- Provide employment and training opportunities for people experiencing or at risk of homelessness.
- Adopt fairer employment and recruitment policies and practices to support people affected by homelessness.
- Help end homelessness in local communities through fundraising, raising awareness, partnerships and volunteering.
Employers can find more information about the Covenant and sign up on the Crisis website or email homelessness.covenant@crisis.org.uk. The Homelessness Covenant can also be promoted on social media by using #HomelessnessCovenant.
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