A LANDMARK project will aim to get more than 2,000 people into work in Barnsley by 2028 at a cost of £10m - and it’s expected to generate almost £70m in economic benefits over the same time frame.
The Pathways to Work Commission report was published by Barnsley Council on Tuesday and it sets out the need for a ‘major shake-up’ of the benefits system.
Figures show that 27 per cent of the working-age population in the town are not in work - with the main barriers supposedly ill health.
Whilst the unemployment rate in Barnsley is lower than the national average at 2.9 per cent - these are people who are actively looking for work.
Economic inactivity is different and is a national challenge.
It includes those who are currently out of the labour market due to disability, poor health, or caring responsibilities, as well as early retirees, students, and those whose illness or disability means they simply cannot work.
The commission, which has been spearheaded by the Rt Hon Alan Milburn - who was a member of the UK Parliament between 1992 and 2010 - aims to get more people into work.
It took evidence from employers, educators and experts and spoke with 750 locals who have been affected by economic inactivity.
The scheme aims to support 2,200 people into work over the next four years by 2028 - this would require an initial investment of £10m.
However, this would in turn generate almost £70m in economic benefits, including a £28m reduction in benefits payments.
Leader of Barnsley Council Sir Steve Houghton said: “I’d like to thank Alan for this incredibly detailed report which I firmly believe is of national and historic importance.
“There is no ‘one size fits all’ solution and understanding the variety of barriers with a far more personalised approach is key to tackling the problem.
“As well as supporting individuals we need to support business to change.
“Many of the people we have met have complex needs and challenges.
“If they are to work, the ways they are recruited and employed will have to change and be flexible.
“That is not easy for businesses, and we will have to help them.
“We also need to ensure those currently in work don’t fall into inactivity if their health becomes an issue, and close work with health partners is a vital part of this work.
“Crucially we need to work more closely with schools and communities to get our young people more work ready - to reduce the flows into inactivity as soon as possible.
“This is particularly true for our most deprived communities.”
The commission suggests that the model which will be used in Barnsley could be used to support 10,000 people across the entirety of South Yorkshire.
Nationally, raising the labour market participation rate from 78 to 80 per cent would give an economic boost of £23bn a year.
South Yorkshire Mayor Oliver Coppard added: “For too long, the health, skills and transport barriers that scar our region have prevented people here from making the most of their talents.
“The findings of the Pathways to Work Commission will help us to break down those barriers and unlock the talent and potential of our communities.
“I am grateful to all the commissioners, businesses, organisations and individuals who supported the Pathways to Work Commission.
“This work is both recognition of our ambition and our success to date, but more importantly, will genuinely help transform the lives of people across South Yorkshire.
“Building better pathways into work is an essential part of my Plan for Good Growth.
“I’m determined to transform South Yorkshire into a thriving economy that will enable all our people to stay near and go far.”
