THOUSANDS of unemployed Brits are set for a major boost as a new fast track to work scheme is rolled out across seaside towns.
More than 100,000 jobseekers from towns like Blackpool and Scarborough will be given the chance to learn new skills and land work.
This will span across various industries crying out for staff – with hospitality and retail among those desperate for recruits.
The Government’s Sector-Based Work Academy Programmes (SWAPs) will be expanded by more than a quarter next year.
It will offer work-ready training, placements, and guaranteed job interviews to those on benefits.
Alison McGovern, the Employment Minister, expressed that the program would have a significant impact on regions facing challenges with elevated levels of unemployment. She encouraged additional businesses to participate in the initiative.
She said: “The evidence is clear – SWAPs boost your earnings and keep you in your job for longer.
“That is why we are promising to deliver more of them than ever, as we Get Britain Working as part of our Plan for Change.”
Studies have revealed that individuals engaging in the scheme can earn approximately £1,400 extra income over a span of two years, and they tend to remain employed for an average of three months longer compared to non-participants.
The extension of the program involves the introduction of a hospitality training trial in 26 new locations, which includes 13 coastal communities. This initiative aims to address the shortage of skilled workers in the industry, which currently has 88,000 vacancies that need to be filled.
UKHospitality boss Kate Nicholls hailed the move, saying: “UKHospitality’s Sector-Based Work Academy pilot proved to be a brilliant way to provide high quality, entry-level training for both new starters and those looking to get back into work.
“I’m delighted that the Government is rolling out our pilot to 26 new areas and using it as the model for its exciting plans to deliver at least 100,000 SWAP participants next year.
“This announcement gives us the impetus to expand our work across the country, help more people find rewarding jobs in hospitality, boost growth, tackle economic inactivity and continue to develop our Hospitality Skills Passport.”
Anyone on Universal Credit, Jobseeker’s Allowance, or Employment and Support Allowance can sign up through their local Jobcentre, while businesses can partner with the DWP to create tailored training schemes for vacancies.
It comes as the spiralling cost of supporting people with disabilities and long-term health conditions is on track to surpass £100bn by the end of the decade.
A near-record 2.8m people are out of work due to ill health according to the Office for National Statistics (ONS), a rise of nearly 700,000 compared to before the Covid lockdown.
