An approach to boosting employment

In this webinar, Euan Carlile from the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) leads a discussion on the UK government's employment policies, particularly those outlined in the Get Britain Working strategy the government introduced in November 2024.

The webinar – part of Enterprise Nation's Talent Hub programme – focuses on current challenges around employment and the opportunities available for small businesses to contribute to economic growth.

In his role at DWP, Euan oversees the Find a Job service, an initiative designed to help employers connect with jobseekers.

Topics covered in this session

• Why small business employers should register on Find a Job and use government support services to find and retain talent

• How the government is actively working to reshape employment policies and improve conditions in the job market – but needs small businesses' help

• How by working together, businesses, government agencies and jobseekers can make a significant impact and help "Get Britain Working"

Euan's key points from the webinar

Current challenges in the UK job market

Economic indicators and growth issues

• The UK's economic growth forecast has been cut in half to 0.75%.

• Inflation is expected to rise to 3.5% in 2025, which could further strain employment conditions.

• There are mixed economic signals:

  • Interest rates have fallen and manufacturing output has slightly increased.

  • However, the services sector and construction industries are declining.

  • Global trade war threats and tariff impositions pose additional risks.

Employment and regional disparities

• The UK has an aging workforce and increasing numbers of people are unable to work due to health issues.

• There are significant regional variations in employment rates:

  • Youth unemployment is 26.8% in Blackpool, compared to 2.4% in Oxford.

  • The proportion of people not in education, employment or training (NEET) ranges from 15.4% in the North East to 10.6% in London.

• Education-related concerns:

  • One in five 16-year-olds lack a Level 2 qualification in English and Maths, which has an impact on their employability.

Long-term employment barriers

• Many past government policies have struggled to resolve these deep-rooted issues.

• There is no quick fix, and sustainable change will require systematic, long-term efforts.

Government strategy and employment initiatives

New jobs and careers service

• The government is creating a more job-focused and career-oriented service that emphasises helping both jobseekers and current employees to develop skills and secure better job opportunities.

• The goal is to make employment services more accessible and provide employers with tailored support.

National employment goals

• The government aims for an 80% employment rate, which would mean adding two million more workers to the economy.

• This increase would result in:

  • more people paying taxes and contributing to government revenue

  • increased consumer spending power, which benefits businesses and the overall economy

Devolution and localised support

• The government is focusing on empowering local leaders and regional employment initiatives.

• Successful pilots in Northern Ireland and Greater Manchester suggest that localised employment policies can be more effective than national-level solutions.

Youth employment and education investments

• The government is prioritising initiatives to support young people entering the workforce.

• If a third of unemployed young people took up apprenticeships, college courses or jobs, it would save the UK £38 billion.

• Addressing long-term unemployment among young people is crucial to improving mental health, career prospects and economic stability.

The role of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs)

• SMEs are the backbone of employment growth.

  • Despite large corporations making headlines for their investments, SMEs contribute the most to creating new jobs.

  • The government recognises that supporting SMEs is crucial for economic recovery.

• Take the construction industry as an example.

  • The government has committed to building 1.5 million homes over the next five years.

  • This initiative will only succeed if it involves small construction firms.

  • Eighty-six per cent of UK construction businesses employ fewer than 10 people, making them essential to achieving the government's housing targets.

DWP's Find a Job service and employer support

What is Find a Job?

• A free government-run job board designed to connect employers with jobseekers.

• Employers can create an account, post job listings and receive recruitment support.

• Over a million jobseekers currently use the platform, including those looking for highly skilled and well-paid roles.

How Find a Job can benefit employers

• Free access to a validated and verified recruitment platform.

• Dedicated employer advisers who provide tailored hiring support.

• Direct access to DWP's network of 639 Jobcentres, helping businesses reach a wider talent pool.

Upcoming campaign for the construction industry

• DWP is launching a three-week recruitment campaign in March 2025 to encourage more jobseekers to enter construction and homebuilding.

• The campaign aims to combat negative perceptions of the industry and attract young people and career-changers.

• Employers in construction are encouraged to reach out to DWP for recruitment support.

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