Government deploys work coaches to tackle long-term unemployment
In response to looming cuts to the welfare budget amounting to billions of pounds, ministers have announced a new initiative aimed at reducing economic inactivity by deploying 1,000 work coaches to assist the long-term unemployed. The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) revealed that these coaches, already employed within job centres, will be reassigned to focus on supporting individuals with health-related barriers to employment.
According to the DWP, the redeployed staff will offer personalised and intensive support to thousands of sick and disabled individuals, providing guidance on writing CVs, preparing for interviews, and accessing employment opportunities. The government hopes that by helping thousands of people move into work, it will not only improve individual lives but also reduce the soaring cost of health and disability benefits.
However, the Resolution Foundation, a think tank focused on low-income households, has expressed skepticism about the plan’s effectiveness. In its report, Delivering the Undeliverable, the foundation argues that only around 3% of those at risk of losing their benefits are likely to secure employment through this scheme. The researchers point to an aging and increasingly unhealthy population as key drivers of rising welfare costs and caution that meaningful reform will require long-term strategies rather than quick cost-cutting measures.
The government has framed the initiative as a “downpayment” on broader employment support reforms, which are expected to be outlined in the coming weeks. The DWP has criticized the current system for failing to intervene early to prevent unemployment and for not offering adequate support to help people re-enter the workforce. The department acknowledged that many individuals perceive the system as ineffective, with low trust and poor user experiences deterring engagement.
Statistics from the DWP highlight the scale of the issue, with 2.8 million people currently economically inactive due to long-term sickness. The cost of sickness benefits has surged, with £65 billion spent last year alone, marking a 25% increase since before the Covid-19 pandemic. Projections indicate that the figure could rise to £100 billion before the next general election, adding further pressure on the government to implement effective solutions.
Chancellor Rachel Reeves has signaled that several billion pounds in spending cuts to welfare and other government departments will be included in the upcoming Spring Statement. Work and Pensions Secretary Liz Kendall has criticized the current welfare system, stating that it “fails sick and disabled people, burdens taxpayers, and hampers economic growth.” She argued that many individuals with health conditions are capable of working if provided with the right support, but have historically been excluded from employment opportunities.
A recent Ipsos survey, commissioned by the government, sheds light on public sentiment regarding the DWP. Of the 5,002 people surveyed, including 1,705 individuals with long-term health conditions or disabilities, 44% expressed distrust in the DWP’s ability to support individuals in achieving their full career potential. A similar percentage felt that the department does not provide adequate assistance to those unable to work due to health conditions. The DWP has stated that the full findings of the survey will be published soon.
As the government prepares to roll out its redeployment of work coaches and broader employment reforms, debate continues over whether the initiative will deliver meaningful results or simply serve as a temporary measure in response to mounting financial pressures.