The UK's local authorities are being urged to rethink their approach to supporting people back into work by new research from the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP). A Rapid Evidence Assessment has been carried out as part of a broader Labour Market Evidence Programme, with the aim of establishing a 'What Works Centre for Local Employment Support' (WWCLES) to champion evidence-based approaches in local labour market support. The preliminary research offers crucial insights into the design and delivery of programmes that integrate health support with employment goals, and its findings are particularly relevant for local government decision-making.
With the national rollout of the WorkWell programme across England imminent, as well as strategic planning for the next phase of Economic Inactivity Trailblazers, this research provides timely guidance on how local programmes can be most effective. The existing evidence base on this topic has been noted as not readily accessible to local government, but the research highlights the value of in-depth case studies, which reveal key mechanisms that contribute to successful programme implementation.
Strong partnership working among various organisations and active involvement of service users in the design and delivery process are crucial factors in improving outcomes and ensuring programmes are effective. The DWP anticipates that the outputs from the Labour Market Evidence Programme will provide a comprehensive handover to the WWCLES, accelerating its setup and operational readiness.
Ultimately, this work carries significant policy implications, influencing how mayors and local government bodies commission, design, and evaluate local employment support initiatives. It is also expected to inform future spending reviews and investment decisions by DWP and HM Treasury policymakers, bolstering the case for place-based, local employment support initiatives that provide quality support and value for money in an increasingly devolved employment support landscape.
According to recent ONS labour market data, there are over 3 million economically inactive individuals in the UK, many of whom face significant barriers to employment. This research aims to improve understanding of what works best in supporting these individuals back into work and will inform policy decisions at a local level.