Nearly nine million people who are economically inactive risk being left out of work for even longer, because of a complex patchwork of national schemes that fail to directly address their needs, the LGA has warned.
There are at least 51 such schemes in England designed to support people back to work in various ways, but none of these join up and very few address the underlying causes, according to an LGA-commissioned report.
The number of people who are economically inactive – not in employment, not looking for a job or not able to start work – has reached a record UK high of 8.7 million, with many ineligible for support if they are not claiming out-of-work benefits.
Reasons for inactivity include physical and mental health conditions, lack of transport, and a need to upskill and earn new qualifications.
The report, by Shared Intelligence, says a more joined-up approach across government and a commitment to work through councils to design and target support is vital.
It also recommends giving councils a leading role in helping people back to work in their areas with long-term, simplified funding.
Existing programmes should also be broadened out to better reach people who are economically inactive, and any support must be linked to other frontline services such as public health, housing, adult and community learning, and the NHS.
Cllr Martin Tett, Chairman of the LGA’s People and Places Board, said: “Economic inactivity does not have a quick fix and short-term, limited schemes will not be enough to get millions of people back into work.
“Given the right powers and funding, local government can do so much more to unlock the labour market, join up support and boost economic growth.”
