BBC News reporters Michael Buchanan and Jemma Crew have reported that the government is dealing with potential cuts in the welfare budget, leading to a plan to utilize 1,000 work coaches to assist long-term unemployed individuals in finding work. The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) stated that the coaches, who are already working in job centers, will be reassigned to address economic inactivity by providing personalized and intensive support to sick and disabled individuals. Despite this effort, the Resolution Foundation expressed skepticism, suggesting that only a small number of people will actually secure employment through this initiative.
In an attempt to aid those on health-related benefits, the government outlined that the coaches would provide tailored employment support, including assistance with CV writing and interview techniques. By transitioning thousands of individuals into employment, ministers aim to reduce the growing costs of health and disability benefits while promoting the benefits of working. However, the Resolution Foundation estimated that only a minimal percentage of the many individuals at risk of losing benefit payments will succeed in finding employment, pointing to broader issues in the welfare system.
The government characterized the reassignment of 1,000 work coaches as an initial step towards revamping employment support, with further plans to be revealed soon. According to the DWP, the current system lacks early intervention measures to prevent unemployment and fails to effectively aid in individuals’ return to work, resulting in poor experiences and low trust among users. With 2.8 million economically inactive individuals due to long-term sickness, the DWP highlighted the rising cost of sickness benefits, expected to reach around £100bn before the next general election. Chancellor Rachel Reeves has proposed significant cuts to welfare and other government departments, as part of efforts to address the inadequacies of the current system.
Work and Pensions Secretary Liz Kendall criticized the existing welfare system as inadequate, specifically failing to support sick and disabled individuals and hindering economic progress. She emphasized the need for proper support to enable sick and disabled individuals to join the workforce and reap the benefits of employment. Survey data indicated a lack of trust among disabled individuals and those with health conditions in the DWP’s ability to assist in career development, implying a need for improved support services. Ipsos surveyed 5,002 individuals, including 1,705 with long-term health conditions or disabilities, revealing concerns over the level of support provided by the DWP to those out of work due to health-related issues
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