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Join for freePosted: Tue 18th Feb 2025
In this webinar, Euan Carlile from the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) leads a discussion on the UK government's employment policies, particularly those outlined in the Get Britain Working strategy the government introduced in November 2024.
The webinar – part of Enterprise Nation's Talent Hub programme – focuses on current challenges around employment and the opportunities available for small businesses to contribute to economic growth.
In his role at DWP, Euan oversees the Find a Job service, an initiative designed to help employers connect with jobseekers.
Why small business employers should register on Find a Job and use government support services to find and retain talent
How the government is actively working to reshape employment policies and improve conditions in the job market – but needs small businesses' help
How by working together, businesses, government agencies and jobseekers can make a significant impact and help "Get Britain Working"
The UK's economic growth forecast has been cut in half to 0.75%.
Inflation is expected to rise to 3.5% in 2025, which could further strain employment conditions.
There are mixed economic signals:
Interest rates have fallen and manufacturing output has slightly increased.
However, the services sector and construction industries are declining.
Global trade war threats and tariff impositions pose additional risks.
The UK has an aging workforce and increasing numbers of people are unable to work due to health issues.
There are significant regional variations in employment rates:
Youth unemployment is 26.8% in Blackpool, compared to 2.4% in Oxford.
The proportion of people not in education, employment or training (NEET) ranges from 15.4% in the North East to 10.6% in London.
Education-related concerns:
One in five 16-year-olds lack a Level 2 qualification in English and Maths, which has an impact on their employability.
Many past government policies have struggled to resolve these deep-rooted issues.
There is no quick fix, and sustainable change will require systematic, long-term efforts.
The government is creating a more job-focused and career-oriented service that emphasises helping both jobseekers and current employees to develop skills and secure better job opportunities.
The goal is to make employment services more accessible and provide employers with tailored support.
The government aims for an 80% employment rate, which would mean adding two million more workers to the economy.
This increase would result in:
more people paying taxes and contributing to government revenue
increased consumer spending power, which benefits businesses and the overall economy
The government is focusing on empowering local leaders and regional employment initiatives.
Successful pilots in Northern Ireland and Greater Manchester suggest that localised employment policies can be more effective than national-level solutions.
The government is prioritising initiatives to support young people entering the workforce.
If a third of unemployed young people took up apprenticeships, college courses or jobs, it would save the UK £38 billion.
Addressing long-term unemployment among young people is crucial to improving mental health, career prospects and economic stability.
SMEs are the backbone of employment growth.
Despite large corporations making headlines for their investments, SMEs contribute the most to creating new jobs.
The government recognises that supporting SMEs is crucial for economic recovery.
Take the construction industry as an example.
The government has committed to building 1.5 million homes over the next five years.
This initiative will only succeed if it involves small construction firms.
Eighty-six per cent of UK construction businesses employ fewer than 10 people, making them essential to achieving the government's housing targets.
A free government-run job board designed to connect employers with jobseekers.
Employers can create an account, post job listings and receive recruitment support.
Over a million jobseekers currently use the platform, including those looking for highly skilled and well-paid roles.
Free access to a validated and verified recruitment platform.
Dedicated employer advisers who provide tailored hiring support.
Direct access to DWP's network of 639 Jobcentres, helping businesses reach a wider talent pool.
DWP is launching a three-week recruitment campaign in March 2025 to encourage more jobseekers to enter construction and homebuilding.
The campaign aims to combat negative perceptions of the industry and attract young people and career-changers.
Employers in construction are encouraged to reach out to DWP for recruitment support.
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