With more than nine million working-age people economically inactive in the UK, the question of how government brings more of them into employment is at the top of the policy agenda. Behind the headline figures are vulnerable people that need support now: veterans who struggle to translate military service into civilian careers, people leaving prison who find the job market closed to them before they have even applied, care leavers without the networks or support that others take for granted, and individuals rebuilding their lives after homelessness.
Employment policy has long treated these groups as separate problems requiring separate solutions. But a systematic review commissioned by the Department for Work and Pensions, published last year, found that interventions designed to address multiple barriers are more effective than those targeting a single disadvantage, and that more intensive support, sustained beyond the point of hire, consistently shows the strongest results. This new approach, however, requires employers to examine their hiring practices, focusing on genuine job requirements so that candidates have a chance to demonstrate their potential.
This Civil Service World webinar, hosted in partnership with Serco, will bring together senior figures from government, the voluntary sector, and frontline employment programmes to examine what genuinely inclusive employment support looks like in practice. We’ll explore what works, what is holding successful approaches back from scaling, and whether connecting DWP with other departments, local government, and private-sector partners more effectively could unlock better outcomes for individuals and communities alike.
Key discussion points include:
What are the barriers preventing employment programmes from reaching those with the most complex needs?
What the evidence tells us about sustained support that turns a job into a lasting change in someone’s life
Practical lessons from those working closest to veterans, prison leavers and care leavers on what makes the difference
How can we design joined-up interventions for people whose needs go beyond departmental boundaries
What reducing reoffending, veteran underemployment and care leaver unemployment could mean for public spending, community safety and long-term economic growth
