£10 million investment to support jobs and health in Wales
A MAJOR £10 million boost to employment support in Wales has been announced as part of the UK Government's drive to tackle economic inactivity and 'Get Britain Working' again.
The first trailblazer programme in Wales, launched in Denbighshire on Monday (Apr 21), will roll out new tailored employment support including one-to-one mentoring, counselling, wellbeing services, and health condition management.
The programme was launched jointly by UK Minister for Employment Alison McGovern and Welsh Government Minister for Culture, Skills and Social Partnership Jack Sargeant, marking a shift away from a 'one size fits all' approach in favour of support targeted to local needs.
The investment will help people with CV writing, job searching, mental health, and managing health issues that may be holding them back from employment. The trailblazer areas – Denbighshire, Blaenau Gwent, and Neath Port Talbot – were selected for their high levels of economic inactivity and will be among nine areas across the UK to pilot these reforms.
During their visit to Working Denbighshire, both Ministers met Work Coaches and saw first-hand the services being offered under the new scheme.
Minister for Employment Alison McGovern said: 'Everyone deserves to thrive, including those living with long-term health conditions.
'No one will be written off. This £10 million investment will help connect health and employment services and deliver real change under our Plan for Change.
'Good work provides both dignity and security, and this trailblazer will help people across Wales access that support.'
Welsh Government Minister Jack Sargeant added:
'This investment is an important step in our joint approach to supporting people back into good employment.
'By integrating health and employment support, and tailoring it to each community's needs, we aim to provide truly joined-up services.
'The Welsh Government is committed to ensuring no one is left behind.'
Secretary of State for Wales Jo Stevens said:
'This £10 million trailblazer will deliver support where it's most needed – in Blaenau Gwent, Denbighshire, and Neath Port Talbot.
'We know this targeted approach works and builds on the success of initiatives like the Young Person's Guarantee.
'Helping people into work improves physical and mental health and raises living standards.'
The trailblazers are part of the UK Government's wider £240 million Get Britain Working reforms, which include:
Transforming Jobcentres to focus on skills and careers
Guaranteeing young people the chance to earn or learn
Expanding mental health support to help people stay in work
The Wales trailblazer follows the first scheme launched earlier this month in South Yorkshire, which focuses on supporting employers to hire people with health conditions. Upcoming trailblazers will also launch in Greater Manchester, the North East, York and North Yorkshire, West Yorkshire, and three areas in London.
In parallel with the trailblazer initiative, the UK Government has also:
Increased the National Living Wage and Minimum Wage
Introduced the Employment Rights Bill to create more secure jobs
Committed to deeper devolution, supporting local and devolved governments to boost regional growth
The investment into Wales reflects the Prime Minister's pledge to reset relationships with devolved administrations and empower them to play a leading role in economic growth under the UK's Plan for Change.
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