Thousands of UK jobseekers helped into workplace training

Tens of thousands of people have been helped into workplace training thanks to government support, new figures show today (25 April).

People claiming certain out-of-work benefits have the chance to benefit from Sector-Based Work Academy Programmes (SWAPs) – these offer training, workplace placements and a guaranteed interview with an employer in industries with the most vacancies, such as hospitality and construction.

In the last financial year, 86,640 places were provided, surpassing the Government's target of 80,000 over the period, helping tens of thousands of people into work and putting more money in people's pockets.

With 100,000 places due to be available over this financial year, helping even more people into work, these measures are a step towards achieving the 80% employment rate and supporting the government's growth mission. This comes as part of wider efforts to put more money into people's pockets and improve living standards, delivering on the Plan for Change.

Work and Pensions Secretary, Liz Kendall MP said: 

SWAPs help people to stay in work for longer and boost their pay, while getting businesses loyal staff with the right skills. 

That's why we are boosting the scheme even further next year, giving even more people access to these life-changing opportunities.

This kind of support is crucial to get people back to work, as we continue to unlock growth, improve living standards and break down barriers to opportunity for people across the country with our Plan for Change.

All unemployed benefit claimants aged 16 or over who are on Universal Credit, Jobseeker's Allowance or Employment and Support Allowance who do not need extra support are eligible for help into work through the SWAPs programme.

The programme aims to address a lack of basic employability skills and is part of the government's plan to Get Britain Working, as it overhauls jobcentres, tackles inactivity and improves outcomes for jobseekers. 

DWP research published earlier this year shows that in the two years after finishing a SWAP, participants stay in their jobs on average up to three months longer, earn up to £1,400 more, and save the taxpayer over £350 per person compared with those who don't take part in the programme.  

With over 86,000 SWAPs over the last financial year, it means the total number of SWAPs places now stands at 370,560 since the scheme launched in April 2021.

As part of the wider expansion of SWAPs to 100,000 places this financial year, a new Hospitality SWAPs pilot will be available in 26 new areas with the greatest need for new jobs and opportunities, including 13 coastal towns such as Scarborough and Blackpool.

Through the SWAP programme, Sophie found a job as a domestic assistant for infrastructure support service provider, Amey. 

Speaking about her experience on the programme, Sophie said: 

I really enjoyed the experience. I've worked in cleaning positions in the past, but this programme was unique and allowed me to see what working for Amey would feel like. I'm really proud of my work.  

Because of the great team here, I want to do a good job. When my sister told me she was looking for a job, I got her in touch with my Operations Manager and now she also works as a domestic assistant at another contract.

As part of the Plan for Change the government is also boosting the National Living Wage and creating more secure jobs through the Employment Rights Bill to make work pay and keep Britain working. 

Additional Information: 

• The programme runs in England and Scotland. SWAPs are developed by Jobcentres in partnership with employers and training providers. These opportunities are offered in job sectors with high volumes of current local vacancies.
• Employers interested in taking the opportunity to start a SWAP for a role in their business can contact the Employers Service Line here - Jobcentre Plus help for recruiters: Recruitment advice and support - GOV.UK.
• The SWAP impact assessment, conducted by DWP, focused on UC customers who started a SWAP between April 2021 and March 2022 and compared their employment outcomes to individuals who were eligible to start a SWAP but did not start a placement.