A major £30 million employment programme has launched across London to help more than 5,000 residents into work, training, or education over the next year.
Part of the Government’s £170m ‘Get Britain Working’ initiative, London is the only region with five trailblazer pilots.
The £30m London scheme targets those not in employment, education, or training (NEET) along with disabled people and carers.
Shadi Brazell, helping deliver one of the pilots through the Central London Forward, said: “Some young people can’t do unpaid work – it’s just not possible for them.
“So this programme covers salaries to help them get real-life work experience, with no cost to the employer.”
Tailored pilots across London boroughs
Each of London’s four sub-regional partnerships is leading a tailored pilot programme designed to meet its community’s specific needs.
For example, South London’s scheme will refer people directly from NHS services into job support.
Central London’s pilot supports care-experienced young people, providing internet access, laptops, and phones to help them live and work independently.
The programme in West London builds on existing employment initiatives, enhancing support and reach.
Finally, the Local London pilot targets inequalities affecting women, carers, and disabled residents.
Support and resources to overcome barriers in the £30m London scheme
A new digital platform will connect users with real-time job and training opportunities in their local area.
Parents returning to work can access a new Childcare Support Fund to cover costs not covered by other grants.
Forogh Rahmani, who works with Local London, one of the four sub-regional partnerships, said: “Local London has one of the highest levels of economic inactivity rates in the capital.
“Poor health is a significant contributor to this.”
Success, she added, means residents overcome work and health-related barriers and move into good, sustainable jobs.
Brazell added: “We’re trying to really listen to what people’s requirements are and meet them where they are.
“We don’t want to say: this is what’s on offer, and if it doesn’t work for you, we can’t help.”
She emphasised that building confidence is key – noting that for many young people, unpaid work simply isn’t an option.
London Councils estimates that 1.3 million residents are economically inactive, with nearly one in five young people unemployed.
City Hall, local authorities, and the DWP will track the pilot’s outcomes to help shape long-term employment policy across London and beyond.
Photo credit alice_photo, Adobe Stock.
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