Government Help for the Long-Term Unemployed in the UK

Long-term unemployment can be a tough situation to find yourself in. Your confidence may be at an all-time low and you’re bound to have financial worries too. The good news is that there are government initiatives and resources that can help.

Whether it’s brushing up on your skills, getting financial support, or finding new opportunities, there’s sure to be something here to get you back on track.

Government Initiatives

Finding your way back into work can be a challenge, but there are several government initiatives designed to help ease the journey.

  Get Britain Working

The Get Britain Working scheme is designed to help the unemployed re-enter the workforce. Here’s what this scheme will include:

• Jobcentres will be transformed into a national jobs and careers service that focusses on skills and careers development instead of benefit claims.
• Mental health and well-being support will be expanded, providing access to more people. Extra staff will be recruited to cut waiting lists.
• A Youth Guarantee will make sure that all young people can access education, training, and apprenticeship.
• More local support will be provided by giving additional power to local councils to provide work, health, and skills support that meets the needs of their communities.

The goal of the scheme is to achieve an 80% employment rate by providing support and opportunities for the unemployed. Speak to your local Jobcentre to find out more.

  Restart Scheme

The Restart Scheme provides personalised help for the long-term unemployed in England and Wales. You’ll receive tailored support for up to 12 months, including job coaching, skills development, and mental health resources.

The first step is to ask your local Jobcentre to refer you to the Restart Scheme. There are eight Restart Scheme providers, including names like Reed in Partnership, Serco, and Ingeus.

  Universal Credit: Back to Work Schemes

For the long-term unemployed claiming universal credit, the Back to Work scheme provides the chance to develop your skills and experience. Your coach will help you identify how you can get back to work and remain in employment. This might include:

• training and skills development
• Sector-Based Work Academy Programmes (SWAPs)
• work trials
• work experience placements

Your coach will guide you through these opportunities and help you find the best fit for your needs.

Training for the Long-Term Unemployed

If you think that brushing up your skills or even learning new ones would improve your chances of landing a job, you’re in luck. There are several training opportunities provided by the UK government. These courses are designed to help you gain the skills needed to re-enter the workforce with confidence.

If you receive universal credit, your work coach can help you discover which skills you need to refresh or learn, before referring you to a careers advisor or a local training provider.

If you’re over 19 years old, you can apply for a free level 3 qualification in a wide range of subjects, including accounting, IT, hospitality, maths, and science. If you’re not eligible for one of these courses, you may be able to apply for an advanced learner loan.

The above training is only available if you live in England. If you live in one of the other UK countries, you can find out about training opportunities for the unemployed from:

• Skills Development Scotland
• Free Courses in Scotland
• Working Wales
• Skill Up (Northern Ireland)

Mental Health and Well-Being Support

Dealing with long-term unemployment can be tough, so it’s important to take care of your mental health and well-being. Fortunately, there are government services that can help.

  NHS Talking Therapies

The NHS Talking Therapies service is available in England. It treats conditions like anxiety and depression. This service is delivered by trained and accredited health professionals and can be accessed for free. Speak to your GP to find out how you can be referred to NHS Talking Therapies.

Equivalents in other UK countries

NHS Scotland: Counselling and Therapies
Mind Cyrmru and NHS Wales
Health and Social Care Mental Health Services (Northern Ireland)

  Restart

The Restart scheme can provide mental health and well-being support alongside honing your skills and helping you to find a job. Your Restart advisor can provide ongoing physical and mental health support, and you can also access an online Wellbeing Check.

Financial Support for the Long-Term Unemployed

The UK government offers two financial support options for the long-term unemployed to help you manage your finances while looking for a job.

The first is Universal Credit. This is the main benefit you’ll receive if you’re out of work or on a low income. It replaces six previous benefits, including Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA), and provides financial support based on your individual circumstances.

The second is Employment and Support Allowance (ESA). If you’re unable to work due to illness or disability, ESA provides financial support. It may be that your illness or disability doesn’t completely prevent you from working, but you need some consideration of your health. In this case, ESA can provide individual help to find suitable employment.

Wrapping it up

Re-entering the workforce after long-term unemployment can be challenging, but there are resources and support systems available to help you on this journey. From government initiatives like the Get Britain Working scheme and the Restart Scheme, to training opportunities and mental health support, the first step is to ask. You don’t have to walk this path alone. Reach out and make use of the support that’s available. With the right guidance and resources, you’ll be well on your way to finding a new job and regaining your confidence.