£4.5m new pilot scheme in the West Midlands to help disadvantaged back into work

The aim is to provide specialist tailored advice and support in a new approach to help vulnerable people. It is one of half a dozen new locally-designed pilots being trialled across the UK.

It targets people across the West Midlands Combined Authority area – which includes Wolverhampton, Walsall, Dudley, Sandwell and Birmingham.

Up to £4.5m will be provided by the Department for Work & Pensions to trial the use of social networks to help boost the prospects of individuals getting jobs and career progression for vulnerable groups. The DWP says it expects the scheme to work with 4,500 people, including the disabled and older people.

Secretary of State for Work & Pensions, David Gauke said: “We have record numbers of people in work which is great news, but there are still people missing out on the available opportunities because of barriers to employment.

“The West Midlands will be leading the way in trialling a new approach to employment support, which will help more vulnerable groups find and progress in work.

“This pilot is yet another step forward in our efforts to help people of all backgrounds enjoy the benefits of work, and will boost the wide ranging support we currently offer through local experts like Jobcentre Plus.”

Communities Secretary and Midlands Engine Ministerial Champion Sajid Javid said: “The West Midlands is an engine for growth and is already seeing the benefits of devolution, with £5.5 million for a new pilot scheme to help to most disadvantaged in society into work.

“This new employment pilot will trial new approaches to help the most disadvantaged people in our society to get the security of a good job and a regular pay packet, helping to build a country that works for everyone.”

Coventry Council leader Councillorr George Duggins, the WMCA lead member for skills & productivity, added: “Supporting those who need it most is a fundamental value for the WMCA and why we will be using this pilot scheme to help disadvantaged people into work.

“Having a secure and properly paid job is one of the most effective ways for people to improve their quality of life but we have to make sure that everyone in society benefits from the job opportunities being created, especially those on low incomes and the young, unemployed people so they can reach their full potential.

The new pilots were agreed with six combined authority areas as part of devolution deals and the Government’s plan to hand new funding and powers back to local areas across the country.

The Government says the schemes are aimed at boosting growth and jobs by working with the new combined authority mayors.

The funding follows a commitment in the West Midlands’ first devolution agreement that Government would consider a business case for an innovative employment support pilot.

The pilot provides support not only for those people who are out of work but those already in work but on low incomes. It will be delivered in a number of locations across the combined authority area where communities experience high levels of unemployment and low pay and advice on local job opportunities, along with training and support for job applications and interviews, will be given to people in their own neighbourhoods.