CIPD welcomes government’s ‘Get Britain Working’ strategy

The Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD) has expressed support for the UK Government’s ‘Get Britain Working’ initiative, which aims to tackle economic inactivity and promote greater inclusion within the workforce. However, the CIPD has urged the government to take more ambitious steps to elevate the status of apprenticeships and strengthen partnerships between employers and Jobcentres.

Peter Cheese, Chief Executive of the CIPD, commended the initiative as a valuable starting point in addressing the UK’s persistent challenge of economic inactivity. He noted that piloting integrated support services in regions with the highest levels of inactivity would provide critical insights that could be applied more broadly to help people re-enter the workforce.

The ‘Get Britain Working’ initiative is part of a broader government strategy aimed at reducing economic inactivity, increasing workforce participation, and addressing regional disparities in employment. First introduced in the wake of the global financial crisis, the strategy encompasses a range of measures, including job placement schemes, apprenticeship incentives, and targeted support for disadvantaged groups.

Cheese also welcomed the ‘Keep Britain Working’ Review, which focuses on helping employers recruit and retain individuals with health conditions, mobility challenges, and those returning to work after extended absences. The CIPD plans to engage its members to contribute to this review and ensure that employment opportunities align with the needs of diverse jobseekers.

Jobcentre Reform
The CIPD praised plans to modernise Jobcentres, emphasising the importance of providing enhanced support and coaching for jobseekers, particularly those who have been out of the workforce for extended periods. The introduction of a new digital offering was highlighted as a potentially transformative step, especially for individuals with mobility issues who face difficulties accessing in-person services.

However, Cheese pointed out that the effectiveness of Jobcentres could be further improved by fostering better engagement with employers. According to CIPD research, fewer than one in ten employers view Jobcentre Plus as an effective recruitment resource, underscoring the need for closer collaboration.

Youth Guarantee and Apprenticeships
The Youth Guarantee was acknowledged as a positive measure to help young people gain the training and support necessary to start their careers. Nevertheless, the CIPD called for the initiative to be expanded into an Apprenticeship Guarantee for all individuals aged 16 to 24, rather than limiting it to those aged 18 to 21.

Cheese highlighted that apprenticeships have faced significant declines in recent years and urged the government to adopt a more ambitious approach to making apprenticeships a viable alternative to university. Enhancing vocational pathways would not only support young people but also address broader workforce skill needs.

Addressing Economic Inactivity
The CIPD welcomed the government’s focus on addressing economic inactivity, particularly through targeted support for specific groups and regions. Cheese suggested that offering incentives to businesses for hiring economically inactive individuals, such as those with disabilities or aged 50 and over, could boost productivity and workforce participation.

He also stressed the importance of consulting closely with employers when implementing measures from the Employment Rights Bill, ensuring that these changes do not inadvertently discourage businesses from hiring individuals from disadvantaged backgrounds.

The Role of Employers
Cheese underlined the crucial role of UK employers in creating healthy and inclusive workplaces. By making reasonable adjustments, adopting flexible working practices, and ensuring that employment opportunities are accessible, employers can play a pivotal role in helping individuals with different abilities and health needs thrive. The CIPD intends to actively contribute to discussions with employers and policymakers, leveraging its expertise as the professional body for HR and people development.