Funding for local areas to get people back into work

The government has announced an £80 million package for support to help get people back into work.

The money will go towards nine inactivity trailblazers, targeted at areas of the country with the highest levels of economic inactivity, enabling local leaders to give those furthest from employment the tools to get into work.

Inactivity trailblazers empower local areas to design tailored solutions that tackle the root causes of economic inactivity, not just treating the symptoms. This could include poor mental health, low skills, and barriers like social isolation.

Areas will be able to offer work readiness skills, employer engagement to change hiring practices and support Local Growth Plans, mental health support, confidence-building social groups and skills training.

Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, Pat McFadden said: "For too long too many people have been locked out of the job market, which fails them and fails our economy.

"That is why we are doing things differently – putting local leaders in the driving seat so the right support goes to their community. 

"By further investing in our trailblazers we’re helping people who were previously underserved or overlooked to build the confidence and skills they need to thrive."

South Yorkshire’s Mayor, Oliver Coppard, said: "South Yorkshire has a proud industrial heritage that shaped our communities and powered progress far beyond our borders. But the legacy of industrial decline left behind deep-rooted challenges. For too long, poor health, low skills, and limited opportunity have held too many people back. That’s not good enough, and we’re changing it.

"I’m proud that we’ve secured another year of funding for the Economic Trailblazer. It’s a vital part of our nationally recognised Pathways to Work programme, which is helping thousands of people across South Yorkshire into good, secure jobs.

"We’re building a South Yorkshire where everyone can stay near and go far, putting people and employers at the heart of everything we do - creating opportunity, transforming lives, and strengthening communities. Together, we’re making change happen."