The Federation of Small Businesses has cautiously welcomed the Government’s Get Britain Working White Paper, issued today.
Policy Chair Tina McKenzie, described it as “a start – but only a start” in fixing what she described as “the pervasive poverty of ambition in the Jobcentre, health and other state systems when it comes to getting people back into work”.
Her comments followed prime minister Keir Starmer’s declaration that Britain “simply isn’t working” as he unveiled plans to bring more people into work and slash the country’s spiralling benefits bill.
He is planning to replace the network of Jobcentres with a new National Jobs and Careers Service, while more NHS staff will be sent to areas with higher rates of joblessness.
Tina McKenzie, said: “Ministers have a huge job to persuade public institutions that work is good for health and that everyone who needs work should be helped to get a job or start-up in self-employment – not least getting rid of the idea that the only good work is in graduate jobs, the public sector or volunteering.
Now we need to know what this Government’s version of these will look like, how they will tackle health-related inactivity across all ages, and how they will support those entering work through self-employment
“The ambition behind the 80 per cent employment target is both clear and important. The last Labour government devised the Future Jobs Fund; under the coalition there was the Youth Contract wage incentive; and then in the pandemic era the Kickstart scheme.
“Now we need to know what this Government’s version of these will look like, how they will tackle health-related inactivity across all ages, and how they will support those entering work through self-employment.
“Whether it’s creating the next generation of driving instructors, office workers, or helping solve crucial skills gaps in construction or manufacturing, getting people into work is not just crucial for individuals, but vital for long-term economic growth.
“It is – and always has been – the UK’s small businesses who do the lion’s share in terms of getting people into work in the private sector.”
Chris Britton, People Experience Director at Reward Gateway was quick to point out another issue. He said: “One size does not fit all when it comes to employee health and wellbeing.
“Businesses should have clear and transparent re-boarding plans for anyone coming back in after an absence to make sure they can settle back in and get back up to speed without feeling the pressure to perform immediately.
“Given the events of the last couple of years, workplace needs have evolved quickly and significantly. As a result, businesses must think much more holistically about the wellbeing support available to their employees.”
Emma Jones, CEO of small business support platform Enterprise Nation, said: “This White Paper shines an important spotlight on the importance of offering increased support for long-term unemployed individuals and disabled workers – and we’re pleased to see that it will be working with small and large employers as well as trade unions and health experts in the forthcoming review to develop solutions.
“Research we conducted earlier this year found 62 per cent of early-stage employers said they needed direction on when as well as how to hire and retain staff.
“In the absence of a HR department, it can arguably be one of the most time-consuming and frustrating processes you can undertake, when you’re busy running your own business.
“Helping to support small firms to employ now, will help to establish the long-term building blocks for growth. The strategic impact of supporting small business employment and its role in economic growth has been underestimated for too long.”
Enterprise Nation launched Talent Hub in partnership with emerging talent platform Unibeez and all-in-one HR, payroll and benefits platform Employment Hero and global hiring platform Indeed, has developed a fresh private sector backed digital solution. Talent Hub is aimed at unlocking the route to successful employment outcomes for time-poor UK small businesses looking to build capacity with an instantly agile team.
The White Paper was hailed as “the biggest reforms to employment support for a generation”, when it was unveiled by Work and Pensions Secretary, Liz Kendall, backed by £240 million investment.
