Jessica O'ConnorA major overhaul of the UK’s jobcentre system has begun, with Wakefield in West Yorkshire becoming the first area to trial a new, locally-led approach to employment support.
Described by officials as the biggest reform of the jobcentre system in decades, the pilot project – referred to as a Pathfinder – aims to move away from a standardised, centrally-driven model and introduce services tailored to local needs.
The launch, which took place yesterday, Wednesday 4th June, marks the beginning of the Government’s new Jobs and Careers Service.
This initiative will experiment with a variety of changes, including personalised appointments, community-based employment support, and new partnerships with local employers.
A new Coaching Academy will also be tested, training Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) staff to provide improved guidance to jobseekers.
At the heart of the reform is a goal to increase local involvement in the design and delivery of employment services.
Government figures revealed that only 9% of employers currently recruit through Jobcentres.
In response, a series of sector-specific careers events will be held in Wakefield, starting with the creative industries.
The inaugural event, part of the launch day, featured local employers including Production Park—known for building sets for Netflix productions such as Bank of Dave.
Future events will focus on Wakefield’s manufacturing and technology sectors and will be open to the broader public, not just existing Jobcentre claimants.
Minister for Employment Alison McGovern said: “Our one-size-fits-all, tick box approach to jobs support is outdated and does not serve those looking to better their lives through work.
“We are building a proper public employment service in partnership with local leaders that truly meets community challenges and unlocks opportunity.
“The launch of the Pathfinder in Wakefield is the first step in this transformation as we continue to Get Britain Working, boost living standards and put more money in people’s pockets, under our Plan for Change.”
The Pathfinder has been co-designed with local authorities including the West Yorkshire Combined Authority and Wakefield Council.
It will examine how employment services can be made more inclusive, offering support beyond the usual scope of Jobcentre clients.
Mayor of West Yorkshire Tracy Brabin added: “People stand a better chance of landing a good job when they are treated with dignity and respect at a trusted local Jobcentre.
“These reforms will empower us to build on our West Yorkshire model of joining up employment support with health and employer-led services, to provide personalised support that gets people into work and puts more money in people’s pockets.
“Working with the Government, we’re investing almost £40m to help guarantee a healthy working life to everyone in our region, and as the test-bed for the new national Jobs and Careers Service, Wakefield will lead the way on transforming our welfare system to get Britain working.”
