Pilot hyperlocal job support scheme in England shows promising early signs
8 reported
A government-funded pilot of hyperlocal job support in 10 neighbourhoods across England has shown promising early signs of effectiveness, including for young people, and could be scalable nationwide, according to a new evaluation. The JobsPlus scheme, backed by the Department for Work and Pensions and the Youth Futures Foundation, focuses intensive support in small areas of predominantly social housing. Community champions at each site help engage hard-to-reach people, and caseworkers offer one-to-one support, financial help, and connections to local employers and services. Between July 2024 and December last year, 27% of over 1,000 participants achieved a positive employment outcome, mostly moving from unemployment into a job. Participants reported improvements in mental health, including reduced anxiety and social isolation. About a third of those enrolled are aged 16-24, compared with 12% of local people in eligible locations. The evaluation was carried out by the independent Institute for Employment Studies.
What’s reported
The JobsPlus pilot operates in 10 neighbourhoods across England, including Stockton-on-Tees, Toxteth, Wirral, and Penge.
It is funded by the Department for Work and Pensions and the Youth Futures Foundation.
Between July 2024 and December last year, 27% of over 1,000 participants achieved a positive employment outcome.
About 31% of participants are aged 16-24, compared with 12% of local people in eligible locations.
Participants reported improvements in mental health, including reduced anxiety, low mood, and social isolation.
The scheme includes a £400 “into work bonus” for those who find a job and remain employed for two months, which was found “useful but not central.”
The evaluation was conducted by the Institute for Employment Studies, which said the scheme could be scaled up nationally.
The pilot schemes are funded until next March.
Key figures
Stephen Evans, chief executive of the Learning and Work Institute
Diana Johnson, minister for employment
Alan Milburn, former minister reviewing youth unemployment for the government
Sources: The Guardian
