10,000 Work Coaches boost Britain’s jobs army

The jobs frontline has now been boosted by 10,000 additional Work Coaches to help Britons back into work

More Work Coaches means more jobseekers across the country will get personalised support to help them find their next role, or upskill for expanding sectors.

This milestone signals that not only are there more Work Coaches to help get people back into work than ever before, but that the government remains on track to meet its pledge of 13,500 new Work Coaches by the end of March 2021.

Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, Thérèse Coffey, said:

“With thousands of new Work Coaches on our frontline, we have made sure that support is there for every jobseeker – wherever you are in Britain and whatever your circumstances.

“This is part of our plans to build back better and get back on track as we begin to recover from coronavirus.”

Chancellor of the Exchequer, Rishi Sunak, said:

“Work Coaches are an important part of our £280bn Plan for Jobs – and throughout the pandemic I’ve witnessed first-hand the key role they play.

“I’m thrilled to see another 10,000 Work Coaches in jobcentres up and down the country, changing people’s lives for the better.”

Throughout the pandemic, Work Coaches have been providing online support, continuing to help jobseekers build their skills and find new jobs as some sectors have continued to recruit.

With a growing jobs army, and ahead of restrictions easing, the Department for Work and Pensions is investing in new, temporary jobcentres for the new recruits, making sure support is accessible.

Along with helping people improve their CV, interview chances and job search, Work Coaches also help arrange more structured support, including linking jobseekers up with opportunities as our Plan for Jobs revives the jobs market:

• The £2 billion Kickstart Scheme puts young people receiving benefits first in line for new, high quality, six-month roles provided by employers from all sectors. The placements give them a wage for the duration and the chance to build their experience and professional networks.

• The £238 million JETS programme targets those out of work for three months with a range of help from expert providers, including specialist advice on how people can move into growing sectors.

• Increased support for 40,000 jobseekers of all ages through the Sector-based Work Academy Programme, which received a £17 million funding boost this summer, and will help people learn new skills through a mixture of work experience and training, followed by a guaranteed interview for a real job.

Further information:

• The Budget on 3 March 2021 will outline the next stage in the government’s Plan for Jobs, including further detail on economic support to protect jobs and livelihoods across the UK.