Liz Kendall, the recently appointed secretary for the Department of Work and Pensions (DWP), has pledged a fresh start for her department, saying it will become “a department for work”.

In her first speech as a minister, she launched the ‘Pathways to Work’ report, which sets out a plan for “fundamental reform” through devolution of powers to Mayoral Combined Authorities and a focus on local plans.

Introducing the report, Liz Kendall said:

“The fundamental problem we face is that the current system of employment support is designed to address the problems of yesterday – not today, tomorrow and beyond.

“Over the last 14 years the DWP has focused almost entirely on the benefits system, and specifically on implementing Universal Credit, and nowhere near enough attention has been paid to the wider issues – like health, skills, childcare and transport – that determine whether people get work, stay in work and get on in work.

“We will empower local leaders and local areas to tackle economic inactivity and open up economic opportunity.

“We will give local places the responsibility and resources to design a joined-up work, health and skills offer that’s right for local people.

The report has been welcomed by the British Safety Council. Chairman Peter McGettrick said:

“We welcome the plans set out by Liz Kendall, and the new Government’s clear commitment to supporting people not only to return to work, but also to remain in work when they develop long-term health conditions.

“We know that employees without adequate support at work are less safe, less healthy, and less happy, contributing to rising levels of workplace absence, workplace stress and anxiety, and lost productivity.

“We hope that this new approach can indeed mark a needed once-in-generation shift from ‘welfare’ to ‘work’, and we would also like to see two other w’s – ‘worker wellbeing’ at the heart of all government policy.”

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The DWP has set itself a target for a rate of 80% employment. To achieve this, they will also launch the Labour Market Advisory Board, a group of external experts who will provide labour market insight and advice to drive change throughout the system.

The group will be chaired by Paul Gregg, Former Director of the Centre for Analysis of Social Policy at the University of Bath, and will meet quarterly to provide advice, offer insight, expertise, and challenge the Department of Work and Pensions plans.

Secretary of State Yvette Cooper added:

“People have been excluded, left out, categorised and labelled. Britain isn’t working.

“We need fundamental reform so the department for welfare becomes a genuine department for work.

“We’ll pursue an ambitious plan alongside the government’s goals to raise productivity and living standards and to improve the quality of work. To get Britain growing again, get Britain building again and get Britain working again.”

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Govt's 'Pathways to Work' report welcomed by British Safety Council

What information needs to be considered in a personal wellbeing assessment?

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