Last week the Government unveiled the most significant reforms to employment support in a generation, with a new White Paper outlining transformative measures to tackle economic inactivity, boost employment, and drive national renewal.

Backed by a £240 million investment, these plans aim to address systemic challenges, including long-term sickness and youth unemployment.

Greater Manchester has been selected as a trailblazer region, meaning we will be at the forefront of designing how locally joined-up support will work in practice and benefit from targeted funding.

Key Reforms Include:

• Jobcentre Transformation: Modernised Jobcentres will offer improved digital services, greater flexibility for work coaches, and closer collaboration with local employers to provide personalised support.
• Youth Guarantee: Every young person aged 18-21 in England will have access to an apprenticeship, quality training, education opportunities, or employment support to ensure no one is left behind.
• Enhanced Mental Health Support: Extra capacity will be deployed in the NHS, including Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust, to reduce waiting lists and help individuals return to work.
• Trailblazer Areas: Greater Manchester joins seven other regions in pioneering integrated local work, health, and skills support, backed by £125 million to provide tailored solutions.

The reforms also include a new National Jobs and Careers Service, expanded Individual Placement and Support (IPS) programs for mental health, and a “Keep Britain Working” review to help employers recruit and retain staff with health conditions.

Greater Manchester at the Forefront
Greater Manchester has been selected as a trailblazer for tackling economic inactivity, with the combined authority set to work alongside local leaders, the NHS, and civil society to develop innovative approaches. This includes funding for NHS accelerators to prevent ill-health-related job loss and reduce economic inactivity.

Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust is among 20 Trusts nationally receiving additional resources to cut waiting lists in areas with the highest levels of inactivity, ensuring more people can access treatment and return to the workforce.

MP for Manchester Withington, Jeff Smith said:

“I am delighted that Greater Manchester has been selected as a trailblazer for the government’s employment reforms. Funding will transform employment support across Greater Manchester, ensuring everyone who wants to work has the help they need. By investing in our young people, improving jobcentre services, and integrating health and work support, Greater Manchester will lead the way in driving up employment, reducing poverty, and creating opportunities for everyone”.  

Mayor of Greater Manchester Andy Burnham said:

“It’s great to see the Government get serious about transforming the old tick-box approach to job support into one that tackles the root causes of unemployment and poor health and sets people up to succeed.

The best way to do that is to join up services in the places where people live, and offer them the kind of positive, personalised support that grows confidence and looks at complex issues in the round.

The Secretary of State has seen for herself the difference that our Live Well approach is already making in Greater Manchester, where our brilliant community partners are building trust and helping break down barriers to work and wellbeing.

Through our new trailblazer, and with Government backing, we can build on these strong foundations and help more people find the sense of purpose that comes with good work. That is how we will help everyone to achieve their potential, ease pressure on our public services, and deliver growth in our city-region and across the country.”