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.
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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.
Employment Minister Alison McGovern said the scheme will be a game-changer in areas struggling with high unemployment, urging more businesses to sign up.
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.”
The move comes as research shows those who take part in SWAPs earn up to £1,400 more over two years and stay in jobs for three months longer on average.
The expansion will see a hospitality training pilot rolled out to 26 new areas, including 13 coastal towns, to help tackle the industry’s 88,000 unfilled roles.
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.
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