The government has unveiled a major expansion of employment support for people receiving sickness benefits, offering them new skills and opportunities to re-enter the workforce. For the first time, every Jobcentre across England, Scotland, and Wales is staffed with specialist advisers dedicated to helping those with long-term health conditions who previously had no obligation to look for work.
Dedicated Advisers in Every Jobcentre
A total of 1,000 existing Jobcentre staff have been redeployed as “Pathways to Work” advisers. Their role is to provide voluntary support for people on Universal Credit who have been placed in the Limited Capability for Work and Work Related Activity (LCWRA) group. These claimants are typically excluded from mandatory work requirements due to health issues, but the government now aims to assist 65,000 of them by the end of the financial year.
Helping People Overcome Barriers
The advisers will work one-on-one with claimants to identify personal barriers and explore suitable training or job opportunities. This could include linking individuals with government-backed initiatives such as Connect to Work, on-the-job training in sectors like construction and hospitality, or skills programmes including IT and HGV driving. The approach is designed to match people’s abilities and circumstances while building confidence and employability.
Why the Support Is Needed
Recent figures show that around 2.2 million people are currently receiving sickness-related Universal Credit, with 1.3 million struggling due to mental health conditions and nearly a million dealing with musculoskeletal problems such as arthritis or chronic back pain. With long-term sickness rates among the highest in the G7, the government sees this initiative as a vital step in reducing economic inactivity and moving closer to its target of an 80% employment rate.
Evidence of Success
Research suggests that providing voluntary employment support works. LCWRA claimants who engaged with a work coach were found to be one-third more likely to secure a job within a year compared to those who did not. They were also twice as likely to pursue additional training or support, highlighting the value of early, tailored interventions in helping people back into meaningful work.
Voices From the Ground
For many, the changes are already making a difference. Sukvinder, a claimant in Barking, described the support as “life-changing,” saying that after years without guidance, being referred to a dedicated adviser has given her purpose and hope for the future. Stories like hers underscore the importance of offering personalised help rather than leaving people isolated on benefits.
Investment in Wider Programmes
The redeployment of Jobcentre staff is part of a broader strategy. The government is investing heavily in programmes such as Connect to Work, which is set to support more than 300,000 people over the next five years with tailored job-search assistance, employer engagement, and training opportunities. Alongside this, the WorkWell pilot, funded with £64 million, is integrating health and employment support to better assist people with medical conditions in returning to work.
Building a Stronger Future
Work and Pensions Secretary Pat McFadden emphasised that tackling long-term sickness is essential for both individuals and the wider economy. “Two million people stuck on benefits with no opportunities, no help, and no prospects is the shocking inheritance we must tackle,” he said. By equipping people with the right skills and support, the government hopes not only to reduce poverty but also to create a workforce that is healthier, more resilient, and better prepared for the demands of the modern economy.